[Chorus:]
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 town.
Sometimes I take a great notion
To jump into the river and drown.

I asked your mother for you,
She told me you was too young.
I wish to God I'd never seen your face,
I'm sorry you ever was born.

You caused me to weep, you caused me to mourn,
You caused me to leave my home.
But the very last words I heard her say,
Was please sing me one more song.