Roots Music Report

Credits:

Lyrics

9. ST. JAMES INFIRMARY   Traditional

Down in old Joe’s bar room, on the corner by the square

The drinks were served as usual, the usual crowd was there

On my left stood big Joe McKennedy, eyes blood shot red

He looked at the gang around him, these are the words he said

Well I went to the St. James Infirmary, I saw my baby there

Stretched out on long white table, so cold, so pale and fair

Well I let her go, God bless her, wherever she may be

She can search the whole world over, and never find a man like me

Ah when I die bury me, in my high top stetson hat

A twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain

To tell the gang I’m standing pat

I want six crap shooters for my pall bearers

A chorus girl to sing my song

A jazz band on my hearse wagon

To raise hell as we roll along

And now that you’ve heard my story

Let’s have another shot of booze

If anyone happens to ask you

Just say we’ve got the gamblers’ blues