Search

Song

Written by
,
Language
English
ISWC
T-070.881.899-8 BMI, GEMA, ISWC
Comments
"Goodnight, Irene" or "Irene, Goodnight," is a 20th-century American folk standard, written in 3/4 time. John Lomax visited the Angola Louisiana State Penitentiary in 1933 and recorded Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter singing several takes of the song he knew as "Irene". The song's lyrics tell of the singer's troubled past with his love, Irene, and express his sadness and frustration.

Leadbelly and John Lomax regsitered the song as their own work, however several sources indicate Leadbelly adapted the song from one he learned from a family member. One possible source for this song was "Irene, Good Night" copyrighted by Gussie Lord Davis in 1892, which, in turn, was based on an earlier song.
Published by
LUDLOW MUSIC INC BMI, GEMA
Licensing
Request a synchronization license

Meta

Added by Bastien