St James Infirmary - Louis Armstrong
[Ed: New Orleans has a very different relationship to death, and how to celebrate life. Holy Moly, what a good song.]
Lyrics:
sotto voce
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 straight lace shoes
I want a box back coat and a Stetson hat
Put a twenty dollar gold piece on my watch chain
The gang’ll know I died standing pat