St. James Infirmary
Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band Lyrics
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Saw my baby there
She was stretched out on a long white table
So cold, so sweet, so sweet, so fair
Let her go, let her go, God bless her
Wherever she may be
She can search this whole wide world over
She won't ever find another man like me
When I die, bury me in straight laced shoes,
A box backed suit and a Stetson hat
Put a 20 dollar gold piece on my watch chain;
So the boys'll know I died standin' pat
The lyrics of Hugh Laurie's "St. James Infirmary" tell a story of a man who goes to a hospital (possibly a morgue) and finds his lover lying on a long, white table. She is described as being "so cold" and "so sweet, so fair." The man then mourns her death and tells her to go and find happiness wherever she may be, but not expect to find another man like him.
The song has a bluesy, soulful tone that conveys the sorrow and tragedy of the story. The imagery of the hospital and the dead woman is haunting and vivid, and the singer's sense of loss is palpable. The final verse, where the man describes his own death and burial, adds a layer of depth to the story, as it suggests that the singer may have been reflecting on his own mortality all along.
Overall, "St. James Infirmary" is a powerful song that explores themes of love, loss, and mortality through vivid storytelling and evocative imagery.
Line by Line Meaning
I went down to St James Infirmary
I walked to the hospital to see my deceased lover
Saw my baby there
I saw my lover's body in the hospital
She was stretched out on a long white table
Her body was laid out on a long white table for viewing
So cold, so sweet, so sweet, so fair
Although she looked peaceful, I was saddened by her death
Let her go, let her go, God bless her
I hope she rests in peace and is released from any pain and suffering
Wherever she may be
Regardless of where her soul may go after death
She can search this whole wide world over
She will never find another love like me
She won't ever find another man like me
I was the best lover she ever had and no one else can compare
When I die, bury me in straight laced shoes
When I die, please bury me with formal attire
A box backed suit and a Stetson hat
I want to be dressed in my best attire with a nice hat
Put a 20 dollar gold piece on my watch chain;
I want a 20 dollar gold piece placed on my watch chain as a symbol of wealth and prosperity
So the boys'll know I died standin' pat
I want others to know that I remained steadfast and unchanging in my beliefs throughout my lifetime
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alf Clausen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@geoffrey1001
Should we all just admit that Hugh Laurie is living his best life? First, famous comedian on two, hugely successful British shows. Second, wildly popular and loved dramatic actor. Third, tremendously talented musician. And he seems to be healthy, happily married, and have a great family. What a guy!
@Adriano.C
Damn, bro... my life is a sh*t.
@mihaelanegritu1709
"Some guys have all the luck..."
@matthewwinegarden
Don't forget his book. Well written mystery!
@geoffrey1001
@@matthewwinegarden I didn't know about that! Have to check it out.
@serjherman
Yep. He's an insanely awesome guy. Too bad he sold out to illuminuts, though. But I guess you can't achieve anything there unless you sell out.
@55lisadiane
Comedy, drama, best-selling novels, piano, soulful singing, saxaphone , percussion and harmonica. It should be illegal, the talent that this man possesses. I adore him.
@mikecurtis389
What else can't he do?
@55lisadiane
I loved his Appalachian accent in a funny musical skit with Stephen Fry. He played guitar and sang a parody country song. He's limitless.
@threethymes
He was also a brilliant rower. His dad won a gold medal for rowing at the olympics and that was his goal too.