St. James Infirmary Blues
Tom Jones · Other Songs - Tom Jones
WITH JOOLS HOLLAND
TRADITIONAL
I went down to the St James Infirmary Saw my baby there
She 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 But she'll never find a sweet
man like me When I die want you to dress me in straight
lace shoes I wanna a boxback coat and a Stetson hat
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain So
the boys'll know that I died standing flat
About St. James Infirmary Blues
Tom Jones delivers a soulful rendition of the "St. James Infirmary Blues," a traditional American folk song that has become a staple of blues and jazz repertoires. Jones transforms the original's haunting narrative into a powerful vocal performance, showcasing his signature baritone and mastery of the blues scale. The recording captures the essence of the genre, blending rhythmic guitar work with a deep, emotive delivery that highlights the song's themes of wandering and resilience. As part of his extensive discography, this track exemplifies Jones's ability to reinterpret classic American standards with his unique British soul style, ensuring the melody resonates across generations of listeners who appreciate the enduring power of the blues tradition.