RUNNEMEDE REMEMBERED

Growing up in a small town in Southern New Jersey


Saturday, August 27, 2011

Goodnight Irene

I remember one time when I was a child, probably 7 or 8, there was a popular song entitled, Goodnight, Irene. And one night there was a bunch of rowdies over at Downing School sitting on the Girls steps singing at the top of their lungs that song. Over and over and over again they sang that song until we who lived across the street from the school and could hear them -- it was very warm night in the summer -- wanted to go to sleep.

Since it summer we had all the windows open so we could catch a breeze. Dad had gone across the street and asked them to stop singing or go somewhere else. They didn't respond in the affirmative to his request. Dad came home a bit miffed (I'm putting that kindly). He finally called the police who broke up the songfest.

By the way, the only part of the song they knew was the chorus.

Words: Irene, Goodnight; Irene, Goodnight. Goodnight Irene, goodnight Irene, I'll see you in my dreams.

Maybe if we all sing that loud enough "Irene" will go to sleep or at least roll over and go the other way.

Prayers are with you all on the coast. I'll be there in a few days, and I can't wait.

By the way, stay away from Timber Creek. Remember, it's tidal.

TTFN