History of saint james infirmary blues

Jazz and Blues fans alike will be familiar with the title "St.

History of the Blues: St. James Infirmary - WHRB

James Infirmary Blues." However, this is just one variant of an old song whose history traverses continents and cultures. Tracing the evolution of the tune and lyrics of this standard provides a valuable window into the folk process at work.

The song began in England as a ballad, most often known as "The Unfortunate Rake" but also called "The Unfortunate Lad" or "Trooper Cut Down in his Prime." It begins with a frame narrative, telling how a soldier encounters one of his comrades dying of venereal disease contracted from a prostitute.

In the second half of the song, the dying man proceeds to give his comrade instructions about the arrangements for his funeral.

One version of "The Unfortunate Rake" begins:

As I was a-walking down by St. James Hospital,

I was a-walking down by there one day.

What should I spy but one of my comrades

All wrapped up in a flannel though w Going down to St.