Song meaning of St James’ Infirmary Blues by Steve Buscemi

The lyrics of "St James’ Infirmary Blues" depict a mournful and introspective perspective on love, loss, and mortality. The protagonist describes visiting his deceased lover at St. James Infirmary, where she lies cold and beautiful on a table. The bittersweet sentiment is conveyed by the line, "She's so sweet, so cold, so fair", emphasizing both the beauty and finality of her passing.

However, there is also a sense of pride and self-assuredness in the lyrics. The protagonist declares that his lover will never find another man like him, expressing confidence in his special qualities and the uniqueness of their connection. This assertion is further highlighted in the request for specific items at his funeral, such as straight-leg britches and a stetson hat, as well as the mention of being a skilled gambler ("died standing pat").

The final stanza of the lyrics indicates a desire for escapism and the numbing effects of alcohol. The protagonist asks for another shot of "that booze" to drown their sorrow, suggesting a need to alleviate the pain caused by loss.

Overall, the song's message seems to be a lamentation of lost love while simultaneously affirming the individuality and importance of the narrator. It explores themes of love, death, and the struggle to cope with grief while preserving a sense of self-worth and identity.