"Goodnight, Irene"

"Goodnight, Irene" is a traditional American folk song that tells the story of love, heartbreak, and longing. It often features a narrator expressing sadness over a lost or troubled relationship, using the metaphor of saying goodnight to Irene, a symbolic figure or loved one. The song has been interpreted as a reflection on emotional pain and the desire for closure. Its popularity grew through recordings by artists like Lead Belly and Pete Seeger, and it remains an enduring example of classic Americana folk music, resonating with themes of separation and emotional vulnerability.