goodnight Irene

A phrase used to show one's shock or dismay. "Goodnight Irene" is the title of a 1930s folk song by Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter. Primarily heard in US. Well, goodnight Irene—I never expected so many people to come to a party for me! Goodnight Irene—that was the last of our money, and we're close to running out of gas.