On the corner by the square

The regular crowd was assembled

And Big Joe McKinney was there

-

On my left stood Joe McKinney

His eyes were bloodshot red

As he gazed at the crowd around him

These are the words that he said

-

I went down to Saint James Infirmary

And I heard my baby groan

I felt so brokenhearted

She used to be my very own

-

I went down to Saint James Infirmary

And I saw my baby there

Stretched out on a long white table

So cold, so sweet, so fair

-

I tried so hard to keep from cryin’

My heart felt just like lead

She was all that I had to live for

I just wish that it was me instead

-

I put my hand on her pretty face

Felt cold like marble stone

And I know no woman could ever take her place

And, Lord, It made me feel so alone

-

Let her go, let her go, God bless her

Where ever she may be

She may search the whole world over

Never find as sweet a man as me

-

Though she treated me mean and lowdown

Somehow I didn’t care

Well the Lord knows she was a good gal

And I’ll see her again up there

-

Now when I die I want you to bury me in straight laced shoes

Box back coat and my brand new Stetson hat

Put a 20 dollar gold piece on my watch chain

So the boys’ll know I died standin’ pat

-

I want six crap shooters for pallbearers

A chorus girl to sing me a song

Put a jazz band on my hearse wagon

To raise hell as we roll along

-

Bring out your rubber-tired carriage

Bring out your old time hack

Eleven men goin’ to the graveyard

Only ten men comin’ back

-

Now you’ve heard my story

I’ll take one more shot of booze

If anyone should happen to ask you

I’ve got these Saint James Infirmary Blues

- Or

{Hey, I said hey, Mister Bartender

{Pass me another shot of booze

{And if anyone asks you my story

{Tell ‘em I got those lowdown gamblin' Blues