sometimes I live in the country
sometimes I live in town
sometimes I have a great notion
to jump in the river and drown

quit your rambling quit your gambling
quit staying out all night
stay at home with your wife and your family
and sit by the fireside bright

Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
goodnight Irene goodnight Irene
I will see you in my dreams

I asked your mother for you
but she said you were too young
I wish that I'd never seen your face
I wish I was never born

Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
goodnight Irene goodnight Irene
I will see you in my dreams

I love Irene, god knows I do
I'm gonna love her 'til the sea run dry
if I can't have Irene with me tonight
I might take morphine and die

Irene goodnight Irene goodnight
goodnight Irene goodnight Irene
I will see you in my dreams