The current members are: Charles "Chuck" Daellenbach (tuba), Eugene "Gene" Watts (trombone), Bernhard Scully (horn), and the "Trumpet Dream Team" to fill the two trumpet positions on rotating basis. Dream Team members are: Ryan Anthony, Brandon Ridenour, Jeroen Berwaerts, along with previous members Josef Burgstaller, Ronald Romm and Stuart Laughton.
Past members include: Stuart Laughton (1970–1971, 2003–2005), Josef Burgstaller (2001–present), Jeff Nelsen (2000–2004), Ryan Anthony (2000–2003), Frederick Mills (1972–1996), Ronald Romm (1971–2000), David Ohanian (1986–1998), Martin Hackleman (1983–1986), Jens Lindemann (1996–2001), Christopher Cooper (1998–2000) and Graeme Page (1970–1983).
St. James Infirmary
Canadian Brass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They were serving drinks as usual, and the usual crowd was there
On my left stood Big Joe McKennedy, and his eyes were bloodshot red
And he turned his face to the people, these were the very words he said
I was down to St. James infirmary, I saw my baby there
She was stretched out on a long white table,
So sweet, cool and so fair
Let her go, let her go, God bless her
Wherever she may be
She may search this whole wide world over
Never find a sweeter man as me
When I die please bury me in my high top Stetson hat
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain
The gang'll know I died standing pat
Let her go, let her go God bless her
Wherever she may be
She may search this wide world over
Never find a sweeter man as me
I want six crapshooters to be my pallbearers
Three pretty women to sing a song
Stick a jazz band on my hearse wagon
Raise hell as I stroll along
Let her go Let her go
God bless her
Wherever she may be
She may search this whole wide
World over
She'll never find a sweeter
Man as me
The lyrics of St. James Infirmary by Canadian Brass tell the story of a man who is mourning the loss of his lover, whom he saw laying on a table at St. James Infirmary. The setting is in Old Joe's barroom on the corner of the square, and Big Joe McKennedy is present, drunk, and slurring his words. The song is a testament to the deep love the singer had for the person who has passed away. He urges the people around him to let her go and find peace wherever she may be. He makes the claim that nobody could ever be as sweet to her as he was, and that she will never find a better man than him.
The song is about death, mourning, and love. It speaks to the many people who have lost someone they love and are trying to find a way to cope with their grief. The singer of the song is desperate to hold on to the memories he has of his lover and to make sure that the world knows how much he loved her.
Line by Line Meaning
It was down by old Joe's barroom, on the corner of the square
The story begins at a bar called Joe's where people usually gather to drink.
They were serving drinks as usual, and the usual crowd was there
People were drinking their usual drinks and the same crowd was present as always.
On my left stood Big Joe McKennedy, and his eyes were bloodshot red
Next to the singer stood a certain Big Joe McKennedy whose eyes were red and swollen.
And he turned his face to the people, these were the very words he said
Big Joe McKennedy addressed the crowd with the following words:
I was down to St. James infirmary, I saw my baby there
I visited St. James Infirmary and found my lover lying dead there.
She was stretched out on a long white table, So sweet, cool and so fair
My lover was lying on a long white table, looking absolutely beautiful and peaceful.
Let her go, let her go, God bless her
I wish my lover well and hope for her to rest in peace.
Wherever she may be
Although she's gone, I hope she's in a peaceful place.
She may search this whole wide world over
Even if she goes on to live her life and find another, she will never find anyone like me.
Never find a sweeter man as me
I was one of a kind, unique and sweet in my own way.
When I die please bury me in my high top Stetson hat
When I pass away, I want to be buried wearing my high top Stetson hat.
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain
Please attach a gold coin worth twenty dollars to my watch chain.
The gang'll know I died standing pat
This gesture will let everyone know that I remained true to myself until the very end.
I want six crapshooters to be my pallbearers
I want my six friends to carry my casket.
Three pretty women to sing a song
Three lovely ladies should sing a song at my funeral.
Stick a jazz band on my hearse wagon
I want a jazz band to play music on the hearse wagon.
Raise hell as I stroll along
I want people to celebrate my life with great enthusiasm as they escort my body.
Let her go Let her go
Again, I want my lover to rest in peace.
God bless her
And I hope God blesses her soul.
She'll never find a sweeter
Once again, I was truly one of a kind.
Man as me
And nobody can ever replace me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOE PRIMROSE, IRVING MILLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind