Good Night Irene

Posted by ESC on May 04, 2005

In Reply to: Good Night Irene posted by ESC on May 04, 2005

: : : Good Night Irene. What is it's origin?

: : It's the title of a 1950s popular song. Go to www.lyricsfreak.com/ v/van-morrison/143236.html for the lyrics

: My favorite is the Willie Nelson version. But anyway. This sounds like the expression may have a history pre-song:

: "good night - interj. (used to indicate or comment on a disastrous conclusion; also used to indicate surprise or exasperation). - also constru. With 'nurse,' 'Irene,' etc. ..1918 'Independent' (June 22) 472: 'When he draws a bead on one, it's good night nurse.'" From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J. E. Lighter.