* Irene, goodnight, Irene, goodnight,

Goodnight, Irene, goodnight, Irene,
I'll get you in my dreams

* I asked your mother for you

(What'd she tell him?)
She told me that you was too young
(She's 18 years old)
I wish the Lord that I'd never seen your face
I'm sorry you ever was born
(It broke his heart!)

* Irene, goodnight, Irene, goodnight,

Goodnight, Irene, goodnight, Irene,
I'll get you in my dreams

* Sometimes I live in the country,

Sometimes I live in town,
Sometimes I have a great notion;
Jumpin' in into the river and drown

* Irene, goodnight, Irene, goodnight

Goodnight, Irene, goodnight, Irene
I'll get you in my dreams

* Stop ramblin', and stop gamblin',

Quit stayin' out late at night
(What are ya gonna do?)
Go home to your wife and your family
(Where you oughta be,)
And sit down out by the fireside bright
(And people come at night)

* Irene, goodnight, Irene, goodnight,

Goodnight, Irene, goodnight, Irene,
I'll get you in my dreams

* I love Irene, God knows I do

(Too late)
Love her until the sea run dry
If Irene turns her back on me
(Whatcha gonna do?)
I'm gonna take a morphine and die
(She said, "go ahead and kill yourself then!")

* Irene, goodnight, Irene, goodnight,

Goodnight, Irene, goodnight, Irene,
I'll get you in my dreams