Goodnight, Irene

A classic folk song composed, as such things are, by Leadbelly (Huddie Ledbetter). In fact it may have been first sung as early as the 1880's.

There are as many sets of lyrics as there are artists to sing it. The version above sung by the Weavers is the most famous. It is also my favorite even though it has been called a sugar coated rendition. Other versions tell the story of a man who falls in love with a too young girl. Pining for the child he can't have he commits suicide.

Hurricane Irene is currently raking the Eastern seaboard.