"Goodnight, Irene" or "Irene, Goodnight," is a 20th-century American folk standard, written in 3/4 time, first recorded by American blues musician Huddie 'Lead Belly' Ledbetter in 1933.
Lyrics
Foxes sleep in the forest
Lions sleep in their dens
Goats sleep on the mountainside
And piggies sleep in their pens
Chorus:
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
I'll see you in my dreams
Whales sleep in the ocean
Zebras sleep on land
Hippos sleep by the riverside
And camels sleep on sand
(Repeat Chorus)
Coyotes sleep in the canyon
A birdie sleeps in a tree
And when it's time for me to rest
My bed's just the place for me.
(Repeat Chorus 2x)
Song Credits
Written by Lead Belly and J.A. Lomax, lyrics adapted by Raffi and Debi Pike, published by Ludlow Music, Inc.
- Stan Rogers - 12-String Guitar
- Chris Whiteley - Harmonica
