"St. James Infirmary Blues"

by Cab Calloway

Cab Calloway was raised in Baltimore, Maryland but achieved his fame when he began performing at the Cotton Club, in the heart of Harlem New York. This is a song from the Harlem Renaissance. Though Cab Calloway did not write St. James infirmary, it was written during his era, and Calloway Preformed it because it was similar to his style and could relate to the Harlem Renaissance.

This song portrays Harlem Renaissance themes of pride, and racial identification. Partying and liquor and celebrating being African American during this time was a social norm; “They were serving drinks as usual, and the usual crowd was there” the Harlem Renaissance was a tight knit community of people who were slightly mysterious, extremely creative, and a little bit debaucheries. They loved to drink during a time when it was illegal. During the Harlem Renaissance Jazz was a huge influence on the music scene. The line “stick a jazz band on my hearse wagon” relates to the fact that music was a way of living for Harlem Renaissance musicians such as Calloway. It was so much a part of him it should be with him in his death.

One of my all time favorite songs is this particular song. Not only is it a great song to listen too but also it has great lyrics and really tells a story. It melody is languid, slightly creepy, and playful. All of which embody the Harlem Renaissance.

It was down by old Joe's barroom, on the corner of the square
They were serving drinks as usual, and the usual crowd was there
On my left stood Big Joe McKennedy, and his eyes were bloodshot red
And he turned his face to the people, these were the very words he said

I was down to St. James infirmary, I saw my baby there
She was stretched out on a long white table,
So sweet, cool and so fair

Let her go, let her go, God bless her
Wherever she may be
She may search this whole wide world over
Never find a sweeter man as me

When I die please bury me in my high top Stetson hat
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain
The gang'll know I died standing pat

Let her go, let her go God bless her
Wherever she may be
She may search this wide world over
Never find a sweeter man as me

I want six crapshooters to be my pallbearers
Three pretty women to sing a song
Stick a jazz band on my hearse wagon
Raise hell as I stroll along

Let her go Let her go
God bless her
Wherever she may be
She may search this whole wide
World over
She'll never find a sweeter
Man as me