published on
JTSunrise Rendition of St. James Infirmary
Slow Blues, 60bpm 4/4
[Refrain]
Dm A7 Dm
I went down to St. James Infirmary
Bb7 A7 Bb7 A7 Dm
To see my Baby there
Dm A7 Dm
They had Her stretched-out on a marble table
Bb7 A7 Bb7 A7 Dm
Asleep, so cold, so fair
[Verse]
Dm A7 Dm
Let her go, You let Her go, God you let Her
Bb7 A7 Bb7 A7 Dm
Wherever You may be
Dm A7 Dm
Couldn’t never look this whole-world wide-over
Bb7 A7 Bb7 A7 Dm
Find a girl half as sweet
[Verse]
Dm A7 Dm
Gonna bury Her in Her strait-laced boots
Dm A7 Dm
In Her walk’n coat and Cloche’ hat
Dm A7 Dm
Put a twenty-dollar bill in Her coin-purse
Bb7 A7 Bb7 A7 Dm
So She’ll know She died standin' pat
An American folk song about going to St. James Infirmary to retrieve a deceased lover. The song evolved over time and potentially from British origins in the 1800s, roots can be traced to the early jazz and blues era in New Orleans. Lyrics and melody were adapted and rearranged by numerous artists over centuries and emerged from a blend of folk, blues, and jazz. It’s popularity grew through oral traditions, diverse interpretations, and legendary performances
Marble tables were practical for hygiene in morgues due to their white, durable, and non-porous characteristics. The thermal mass of a thick marble stone slab table allowed for temperature retention—ideal for icing in warm climates or maintaining an ambient cool surface in morgues which were typically located in medical facility basements
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, fashionable women dressed in tailored jackets, walking coats, and tailored suits. Garments were designed to be fashionable and practical. Popular was the tailor-made suit, which consisted of a matching jacket and skirt. Suits could have varied styles, including fitted jackets with defined waists and skirts. A walking coat was characterized by its length and suitability for outdoor activities. Women's fashion during this period saw a shift towards more tailored and practical clothing
Unlike higher heels of previous decades, shoes in the 1920s often had lower, practical heels to reflect the era’s active style. Boots had lace-up designs, providing a snug fit around the ankle and calf. This style allowed women to participate in energetic social activities. A stif pointed-toe contributed to a sleek and modern look and had defensive advantages. Boots were made of leather or fabric. Suede and patent leather being also popular
A Cloche (“bell” in French) is a bell-shaped fitted hat that became fashionable in the 1920s, complementing shorter hairstyles of the time
"Standing pat", a poker term meaning to keep one's hand as dealt without drawing additional cards, suggests the idea of a person being content and staying true until the end
In 1927 Fess Williams and his Royal Flush Orchestra were first to record the song under: "Gambler's Blues", crediting Carl Moore and Phil Baxter’s “St. James' Infirmary”. The song became more popular after Armstrong's comedic 1928 recording which mocked more emotionally serious versions. By 1930 at least twenty different recordings had been released. The Duke Ellington Orchestra recorded the song multiple times under names like "The Ten Black Berries", "The Harlem Hot Chocolates", and "The Jungle Band”. In 1933, Cab Calloway's version was released in a classic Betty Boop cartoon and his instrumental version featured Calloway's related hit song - Minnie the Moocher. Irving Mills managed both Calloway and Ellington. Mills Music published both artists
My version of lyrics. Info from the internet
JTS
- Genre
- FolkSpunk Americana