Song: Goodnight, Irene (Lead Belly)

Less than one minute read time.

FormerMember

22 Feb 2019

This is a song I've had on my "to do" list for several months. I finally made a start on it today.

The song was new to me until I heard it mentioned by Peggy Seeger in the audiobook of her memoir, "First Time Ever".

The version I've learnt from is a recording by Lead Belly that I found on YouTube. I like the mournful style of the song and Lead Belly's singing. There's also a great version by Ry Cooder on YouTube... I love the downbeat mood and the way the band is so into the song.

Here's my recording, done today. Some of my ukulele chord changes are a bit rough, but I will improve :-)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ggwuBdqAHjBtCDR4LFEXxbUmR5EIS-F4/view?usp=sharing

Bye for now.

Tinalay over 5 years ago

Love this song, my uncle used to sing it at parties to his wife, Irene That's an impressive start, the ukulele sounds beautiful, the chord changes go straight to the heart strings, and you can certainly carry a tune. You might just inspire me to pick up the guitar again, something I've wanted to do for a long time. Will look forward to your next recording xx
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FormerMember over 5 years ago

Thanks, <a class="internal-link view-user-profile" href="/members/tinalay">Tinalay</a>. Singing and playing the ukulele are a significant part of my life since the cancer returned in 2015, inoperable. I went to a local cancer support choir in Nov 2015, the first choir I'd been in since primary school! Now I go to three choirs each week. It's no exaggeration to say it keeps me alive, the singing and the people. Some very good friends after a lifetime of doing without any friendships beyond work. All those years! I had the ukulele since 2010 but hadn't played it for 5 years until I joined the choir and mentioned it in passing. I received so much kind encouragement to play it and bring it to choir... we sang "Don't Worry, Be Happy" with me on the uke. Nerve-racking at first but I got there in the end. So, yes. Pick up your guitar again Love xx
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