Recorded at Friendlee Live at the Texan Theater, Greenville, Texas.
Traditional (Public Domain)
lyrics
St James Infirmary Blues
It was down in old Joe's barroom, on the corner by the square,
Where the drinks were served as usual, and the usual crowd was there.
On my left stood Big Joe McKinsey.
His eyes were bloodshot red,
He turned to the room around him,
And these were the very words he said,
I went down to St. James Infirmary,
I saw my baby there.
She was stretched out on a long white table,
So pale, so cold, so fair.
Let her go, let her go, God bless her.
Wherever she might be.
She can search the whole world over,
Never find a better man as me.
When I die won't you please bury me in my high top Stetson hat.
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain,
So my boys'll know I died standing pat.
I want six crapshooters for my pallbearers,
Six pretty girls to sing a song.
Put a jazz band on my hearse wagon,
To raise hell as we stroll along.
I went down to St. James Infirmary,
I saw my baby there.
She was stretched out on a long white table,
So pale, so cold, so fair.
Let her go, let her go, God bless her.
Wherever she may be.
She can search the whole world over,
Never find a better man as me.
That is all of my story.
Have a little shot of booze.
And if anybody should ever ask you
Just tell ‘em, you’ve got the St. James Infirmary Blues.
credits
from Johnny C. Lately LIVE,
released March 31, 2020
Woodrow Thomas - Guitar, kazoo and vocal
Johnny C. Lately has been one of the mainstays of the Northeast Texas songwriters scene for over 35
years.
He plays original songs based on his personal experience which explore the themes of Life, Death, Love and Laughter and throws in a few timeless cover songs to season the mix.
Originals, Roots, Black Dirt Country and Delta Blues...more
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