Lyrics
It was down in Old Joe's barroom,
Setting the scene in Old Joe's barroom, describing the location.
On the corner by the square,
Detailing the specific location of the barroom.
Drinks were being served as usual,
Indicating that drinks were being served as usual in the bar.
And a goodly crowd was there.
Describing a substantial number of people present in the bar.
When up stepped old Joe McGuinny
Introducing Old Joe McGuinny, a character in the story.
His eyes were bloodshot red,
Describing Joe McGuinny's bloodshot eyes, possibly indicating intoxication or distress.
As he poured himself more whiskey,
Depicting Joe pouring more whiskey for himself.
This is what he said,
Quoting Joe McGuinny's following statement.
I went down to the Saint James Infirmary
Joe's reference to visiting the Saint James Infirmary.
I saw my baby there,
Observation of seeing his lover or someone dear at the infirmary.
Stretched out on a cold white table,
Describing the person lying on a table in the infirmary.
So sweet, so cold, so fair.
Depicting the person's appearance as sweet, cold, and fair.
So let her go, let her go, God bless her,
Expression indicating a willingness to let go of the person and wishing her well.
Wherever she may be
Expressing uncertainty about the person's whereabouts.
She may search this wide world over
Implies that the person may search but won't find someone like the speaker.
But she'll never find a sweet man like me.
Assertion of the uniqueness of the speaker.
When I die, want you to dress me in straight laced shoes
Requesting specific clothing for his burial.
A box back coat and a Stetson hat,
Describing further the outfit he wants to wear after death.
Put a twenty-dollar gold piece on my watch chain
Asking for a gold piece to signify his determination or stubbornness.
So the boys know I died standin' pat.
Desiring recognition for his steadfastness from others.
There are sixteen cold black horses,
Describing the horses that will be part of the speaker's funeral procession.
Hitched to her rubber tired hack,
Depicting a carriage or vehicle for transporting the speaker's body.
There are seven women goin' to that graveyard,
Noting the number of women attending the funeral.
And only six of 'em are coming back.
Suggesting that not all attendees will return from the graveyard.
Now that you've heard my story,
Finishing the speaker's story or narration.
Pour me one more shot of booze,
Requesting another drink of alcohol.
And if anyone comes askin' about me,
Instructing what to tell anyone asking about the speaker.
Tell 'em I got, Saint James Infirmary blues.
Summing up the speaker's state of mind or condition as having the "Saint James Infirmary blues."
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