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Lead Belly - Irene

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original text at lyrnow.com/1998622
★ 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
 
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Song Description:

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"Irene" is a classic folk song performed by Lead Belly that tells the tale of unrequited love and heartache. The singer laments over their feelings for Irene, who they wish they had never met. The chorus repeats the sentiment of saying goodnight to Irene, implying that she is always on the singer's mind, even in their dreams. The verses describe the singer's inner turmoil and struggle with their emotions, as they contemplate drastic actions like drowning in a river or taking morphine if Irene were to reject them. The song's melancholy tone and haunting lyrics make it a powerful and emotional ballad that captures the pain of lost love.

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Lead Belly

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Biography

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Leadbelly was a folk-blues musician who began playing instruments at a young age, eventually mastering his signature 12 string guitar.

While serving time for murder in 1925, he was pardoned by the Governor of Texas. The governor had visited the prison several times to hear Leadbelly sing, and Leadbelly later maintained that he won over the governor with his song “Please Pardon Me.”

Huddie Ledbetter aka “Leadbelly” earned his nickname for violent behavior and ability to drink moonshine. Leadbelly didn’t sell many records, but his folk music was later discovered and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain was known to be heavily influenced by Leadbelly. Most famously, “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” was covered by the band during their MTV Unplugged performance.

Nirvana covered two other Leadbelly songs, “Ain’t It A Shame” and “They Hung Him on a Cross”.