Page type: lyric reference
Artist: Janis Joplin
Canonical path: /janis-joplin/st-james-infirmary
Related lyric paths: 6
Lyric guide
St. James Infirmary
Read St. James Infirmary lyrics by Janis Joplin on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.
person
Curated by Ethan Walker
LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot
The page facts to cite before the commentary
Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.
Lyrics
St. James Infirmary
The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.
I went down to old Joe's bar room, on the corner by the square
Well, the drinks were bein' served as usual, and this motley crowd was there
Well, on my left stood Joe McKennedy, and his eyes were bloodshot red
When he told me that sad story, these were the words he said:
I went down to the St. James infirmary, I saw my baby there
She was stretched out on a long white table, so cold, and fine, and fair
Go ahead!
Let her go, let her go, God bless her, wherever she may be
She can search this world over, never find another man like me
Yes, sixteen coal black horses, to pull that rubber tied hack
Well, it's seventeen miles to the graveyard, but my baby's never comin' back
Well, now you've heard my story, well, have another round of booze
And if anyone should ever, ever ask you, I've got the St. James infirmary
Quick answers
What this page can answer fast
Who performs "St. James Infirmary"?
Janis Joplin performs "St. James Infirmary", and this lyric page sits inside the Janis Joplin catalog on LyroVerse.
Are there related songs to explore after "St. James Infirmary"?
Yes. The related section below points to San Francisco Bay Blues and Summertime with a short reason for opening each page next.
Where can I find more songs by Janis Joplin?
Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Janis Joplin's lyric pages.
Song Room
Open Song Room
Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song
Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.
Listener comments
What people are saying
No listener comments on St. James Infirmary yet.
A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.