1940's & 50's phrase used to describe an event or situation with a disastrous conclusion. Derived from the song Goodnight Irene first recorded by American blues musician Huddie 'Lead Belly' Ledbetter in 1933
"If the Bronco's don't win this round, then its goodnight Irene to the finals"
by Big Kev 83 August 23, 2012
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Sometimes used to tell a person who has gone past their time to leave, to go ahead and just leave.
“Didn’t you say you were leaving? Goodnight Irene.”
by Bill Mobley July 5, 2021
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