Good Night (Beatles song)

1968 song by the Beatles

"Good Night" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 double album The Beatles (also known as the "White Album"). It was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon–McCartney. The lead vocalist on the recording is Ringo Starr, who was the only Beatle to appear on the track. The music was provided by an orchestra arranged and conducted by George Martin. Written for Lennon's five year old son Julian, "Good Night" is the final song on the White Album.

In musicologist Walter Everett's view, "Good Night" uses chords that are uncharacteristic of Lennon's writing, and its countermelodies and musical interludes are more typical of Martin's music, particularly the compositions that show the influence of Maurice Ravel, his favourite composer. Everett concludes: "I have difficulty settling into 'Good Night' after 'Revolution 9' dies away, but most no doubt take it as a welcome bromide". Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of its release, Jacob Stolworthy of The Independent listed "Good Night" at number 28 in his ranking of the White Album's 30 tracks. He called the track "a mediocre song sung by Ringo". He continued: "Despite a vibrant orchestral arrangement from George Martin, 'Good Night'like all lullabiesmight put you to sleep".

The song has been covered by several artists, including the Carpenters, Kenny Loggins (feat. Alison Krauss), Kidsongs, Linda Ronstadt and Manhattan Transfer. Barbra Streisand recorded it in 1969 for her album What About Today? In 2006, Cirque du Soleil included a version in their Beatles themed production Love. Ekkehard Ehlers's track "Plays John Cassavetes 2" (on his 2002 album, Plays) is built from a 6 second instrumental sample from the song.