Goodnight Irene
View chords used in this chart
C G C
Sometimes I live in the country, sometimes I live in the town
C7 F G C
Sometimes I get a great notion to jump in the river and drown.
G C
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
C7 F
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
G C
I’ll see you in my dreams.
G C
Sometimes there’s a change in the ocean, sometimes there’s a change in the sea
C7 F G C
Sometimes there’s a change in my one true love but never no change in me.
G C
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
C7 F
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
G C
I’ll see you in my dreams.
G C
Gone every danger a haven, after each temper – s’still
C7 F G C
If you are gone when the morning comes I’ll meet you in the house on the hill.
G C
I love Irene God knows I do, I love her till the rivers run dry
C7 F G C
The better Irene should leave me, Lord, I’ll take morphine and I’ll die.
G C
Irene goodnight, Irene goodnight
C7 F
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
G C
I’ll see you in my dreams.
C7 F
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
G C
I’ll see you in my dreams.
C7 F
Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene
G C
I’ll see you in my dreams.
How to play Goodnight Irene
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.