I asked your mother for you
She told me that you was too young
I wish to the Lord I'd never seen your face
or heard your lying tongue
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, Goodnight Irene

I'll see you in my dreams
Sometimes I live in the country
Sometimes I live in the town
Sometimes I have a great notion
to jump into the river and drown
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, Goodnight Irene

I'll see you in my dreams
Stop ramblin', stop your gamblin'
stop stayin' out late at night
Go home to your wife and your family
sit down by the fireside bright
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, Goodnight Irene

I'll see you in my dreams
I love Irene God knows I do
love her till the sea run dry
And if Irene turns her back on me
I'm gonna take morphine and die
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, Goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams