Sometimes a Great Notion is Ken Kesey's second novel, published in 1964. While One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1962) is arguably more famous, many critics consider Sometimes a Great Notion Kesey's magnum opus. The story involves an Oregon family of gyppo loggers who cut and procure trees for a local mill in opposition to striking, unionized workers. Kesey took the title from the song “Goodnight, Irene”, popularized by Lead Belly. Sometimes I lives in the countrySometimes I lives in townSometimes I take a great notionTo jump into the river an’ drown