St. James Infirmery
Hans Theessink Lyrics


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It was down by old Joe's barroom, on the corner of the square
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Hans Theessink's song "St. James Infirmery" paints a picture of a rowdy night at a bar with a group of people drinking and enjoying themselves. One person in particular, Big Joe McKennedy, stands out as his bloodshot eyes signal that he is going to say something important. He then declares that he visited his lover at the St. James infirmary and saw her lying on a table lifeless but beautiful. He mourns her passing and wishes her well wherever she is, but at the same time, expresses pride in his relationship with her by declaring that she will never find a sweeter man than him. The song then turns to his wishes for his own funeral where he wants to be buried wearing his high top Stetson hat and a twenty-dollar gold piece on his watch chain. He also desires that six crapshooters serve as his pallbearers, three women to sing a song, and a jazz band to play music as his hearse wagon carries him away.


The song itself is a traditional American folk song that has undergone many adaptations over the years. Originally, it was called "Gambling Blues" and was about a man who gambled all his money away and went to the infirmary to be hospitalized. The song evolved over the years to include references to the St. James infirmary in New Orleans, where victims of the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918 were treated. Interesting enough, the song was also performed as a Christian hymn in some African American communities, which speaks to the spiritual messages that the song conveyed.


Some other interesting facts about the song include that it has been performed by many famous musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, and Bob Dylan. The song has also been referenced in several movies, including the 1931 horror film "Dracula," and the 2002 drama film "Road to Perdition." The song's lyrics also inspired the title of one of Jack Kerouac's novels, "Big Sur." An early version of the song was recorded in 1928 by King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band, which featured a young Louis Armstrong on second cornet. Lastly, the song has been covered by various genres of music, including rock, reggae, and blues, demonstrating its enduring appeal to musicians and audiences alike.


As for the chords to the song, it is usually performed in the key of E minor and follows a simple chord progression of Em, B7, Em, G, D, C, B7.


Line by Line Meaning

It was down by old Joe's barroom, on the corner of the square
The singer sets the scene at a local bar where the usual crowd and drinks were being served.


They were serving drinks as usual, and the usual crowd was there
Emphasis on the regular gathering and routine of the local bar.


On my left stood Big Joe McKennedy, and his eyes were bloodshot red
The singer describes the character of Big Joe and highlights his appearance with bloodshot eyes.


And he turned his face to the people, these were the very words he said
Big Joe speaks up and addresses the people in the room.


I was down to St. James infirmary, I saw my baby there
The artist visited St. James infirmary and saw their lover, who may have passed away.


She was stretched out on a long white table, So sweet, cool and so fair
The singer describes the peaceful appearance of their deceased lover.


Let her go, let her go, God bless her Wherever she may be
The singer is mourning the loss of their lover and wishing them peace in the afterlife.


She may search this whole wide world over Never find a sweeter man as me
The artist reflects on their character and how their lover may never find someone like them.


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
The artist knows that the gang will recognize them by their signature Stetson hat and watch chain.


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
The artist wants a lively and energetic funeral procession, with six crapshooters as pallbearers, three women to sing, and a jazz band to play.


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 singer reaffirms their love for their deceased lover and reflects on their own unique qualities.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOE PRIMROSE, IRVING MILLS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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