I asked your mother for you 
 
 She told me that you was too young 
 
 I wish dear Lord never have seen your face 
 
 And I'm sorry that you ever been born. 
 
  
  Irene good night, Irene good night 
 
 Goodnight Irene, good night Irene 
 
 I'll get you in my dreams 
  
 
 Sometimes I lives in the country 
 
 Sometimes I lives in town 
 
 Sometimes I have a great notion 
 
 To jump into the river and drown 
  
 
 I loves Irene, God knows I do 
 
 Loves her till the sea runs dry 
 
 If Irene turns her back on me 
 
 I'm gonna take morphine and die 
  
 
 Stop ramblin' and stop gamblin' 
 
 Quit staying out late at night 
 
 Come home into your wife and your family 
 
 Sit down by the fireside bright 
  
 
 Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight 
 
 Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene 
 
 I'll get you in my dreams