[Chorus]
Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I guess you're in my dreams

[Verse 1]
I asked your mother for you (What she tell him?)
She told me you was too young (She's 18 years old)
I wish, dear lord, that I'd never seen your face
I'm sorry you ever was born (You broke his heart)

[Chorus]
Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I guess you're in my dreams

[Verse 2]
Sometimes I lives in the country
Sometimes I lives in town
Sometimes I haves a great notion
Jumpin' into the river and drown

[Chorus]
Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I guess you're in my dreams
[Verse 3]
Stop rambling and stop gambling
Quit staying out late at night (What are you gonna do)
Go home to your wife and your family (Where you oughta be)
And sit down by the fireside bright (And keep her company)

[Chorus]
Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I guess you're in my dreams

[Verse 4]
I love Irene, God knows I do (Too late)
Love her 'til the sea run dry
If Irene turns her back on me (What you gonna do?)
I'm gonna take morphine and die (She said go ahead and kill yourself then)

[Chorus]
Irene, goodnight
Irene, goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I guess you're in my dreams