Meaning of "St. James Infirmary" by Rickie Lee Jones

The lyrics of "St. James Infirmary" paint a vivid picture of loss and longing, as the narrator mourns the death of their lover. The visit to the infirmary and the subsequent scene in the bar reflect the stages of grief, from denial to acceptance. The reference to the ten dollar Stetson hat and twenty-dollar gold piece symbolizes the narrator's desire to leave a lasting impression, wanting their friends to remember them as someone who stood their ground. The request for a jazz band during the funeral procession suggests a desire to celebrate life in the face of death. It also highlights the narrator's willingness to go out on a high note, surrounded by music and revelry. Overall, the lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of death, while also capturing the complex emotions that come with facing mortality.