St. James Infirmary Blues
Louis Armstrong
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I went down to the St. James Infirmary Saw my baby there Stretched out on a long white table So sweet, so cold, so fair Let her go, let her go, God bless her Wherever she may be She can look this wide world over She'll never find a sweet man like me When I die, want you to dress me in straight-lace shoes Box-back coat and a Stetson hat Put a twenty-dollar gold piece on my watch chain So the boys'll know that I died standin' pat
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Written by: Irving Mills
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Origin"St. James Infirmary Blues" is an American folk song based on an 18th-century English traditional tune called "The Unfortunate Rake."
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First RecordingAlthough many artists have performed this song, Louis Armstrong's 1928 recording is one of the most famous and influential.
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LyricsThe lyrics of "St. James Infirmary Blues" tell a dark tale of a man whose lover died in a hospital, and now he's preparing for his own death.
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VariationsThe interpretations of this song vary widely, reflecting the flexibility of traditional folk narratives. Some versions express a very dramatic, tragic, or even humorous perspective of the song's storyline.
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InfluenceLouis Armstrong's version shaped the future of the blues by redefining the genre and influencing countless musicians.
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Record LabelArmstrong’s version of “St. James Infirmary Blues” was recorded on Okeh Records, a pioneering jazz and blues label of the time.
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SettingThe 'St. James' in the song's title refers to St. James Hospital in London, a historical facility treating leprosy. However, in the context of the song, it's more likely to refer to a fictional or generic hospital.
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InstrumentationThe song features a melancholy trumpet solo by Armstrong, showcasing his innovative and emotive playing style.
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Impact"St. James Infirmary Blues" has become a jazz standard, covered by many artists and played in numerous styles, from blues to rock to punk.
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Song StructureThe song typically follows an AAB pattern commonly found in the blues genre, although different versions can vary the structure.
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Cultural ReferencesThe song has appeared in many forms of media, from movies to video games, indicating its enduring cultural relevance.
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Citation
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"St. James Infirmary Blues Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/29139643/Louis+Armstrong/St.+James+Infirmary+Blues>.
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