St. James Infirmary Blues
Joe Cocker Lyrics


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


Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC



Written by: Irving Mills

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Fidelio

It's a wonderful Version, to be sure. But the BEST VERSION EVER by Joe Cocker is the one with a hammond organ instead of the piano:



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICtvvIj-xyA



This is THE blues… Close your eyes and stop doing anything else… Listen, how he sings "her" in "Let her go, let her go! - God bless her …" so weak of depression.... And the solos of the other Instruments (I'm talking like his voice is an Instrument, i just realize….), especially the flute which goes double-voice at some point, but the others, too …. Gorgeous! So musical …. Uncomparable!



All comments from YouTube:

zuzak4341

One of the best versions I’ve ever heard. Gritty, raw, and awesome!

Katsem

Some people can sing. A few people have a voice for the ages. Thanks to God for Joe Cocker and the gift he shared with the world.

A Person

I have been going back, and forth between versions of this amazing song and I was trying to figure out which version is the best..... I think I have a winner. This was amazing

To Serve Man

Louis Armstrong version is best, one of a couple of his versions. 4:45 long

GetoFly 313

Eric Burdon bar none💯

J Pathak

A Person, try listening to Van Morrison’s rendition. I bet you you will agree with CW Ferguson and myself that Van is a tad bit better. No knock on Joe. I have always admired his style and his wonderful groggy voice. Just think what the Brits gave to America with their invasion.

Kjell Eriksson

I have 400-500 versions of this song, even two in Jiddish.

Alison Perry

Wen i was leaning to pkay this I listen to 6 or so versions I took a compilation of my favourite lyrics & made a unique version as all the greats have done .. I love the simplisity of the chords...way fun to play

18 More Replies...

Ann Smitt

Cocker's version is my favorite. We'll miss you Joe.

Иван Титов

Ann Amitt h

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