Comments on: Let her go, let her go, God bless her...

Let her go, let her go, God bless her...

languagehat — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 11:50:04 -0800

You thought it was a piece of old New Orleans? Turns out St. James Hospital was in London (and treated lepers), and the song goes back at least to the 18th century (though it used to be sung to the tune of "Streets of Laredo"). Rob Walker's Letter From New Orleans #13 describes the results of his obsessive researches. If you have more info, he wants to hear from you! (Via Wordorigins, a site any word lover should know.)

By: weston

weston — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 15:34:59 -0800

Recording of St. James Infirmary, for those who haven't heard it. It's a very fun tune. Thank you much, languagehat!

By: mwhybark

mwhybark — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 16:11:41 -0800

Hat, I kiss you! May the glorious light of Turkmenbashi shine upon you and your issue for one thousand years.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 16:16:25 -0800

Wow. I always thought that was a Louisiana thing. And I'm from just outside of New Orleans. Thanks, languagehat!

By: Zurishaddai

Zurishaddai — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 16:22:38 -0800

Turns out St. James Hospital was in London Still, the last time I requested it at Preservation Hall it sounded good! On a tangent: Norwegian leprosarium, 1411-1976 (the 18th c. buildings now a museum). Global Project on the History of Leprosy.

By: y2karl

y2karl — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 16:46:09 -0800

The histories of Casey Jones, Frankie and Johnny and Stagolee have been traced, such as can be, as well.

By: lelilo

lelilo — Fri, 11 Jun 2004 17:29:33 -0800

That place in New Orleans you're thinking of must be the House of the Rising Sun. Although this says that despite the song's first line, that name also originally comes from two old(e) English songs.

By: taz

taz — Sat, 12 Jun 2004 04:27:27 -0800

One of my all-time favorites (I love Danny Barker's version, which I heard many times in person), and a great mystery quest! I'm getting homesick.

By: tapeguy

tapeguy — Sat, 12 Jun 2004 04:31:47 -0800

Maybe it's because I'm English, but the thought that this could be an 'American' song never even entered my head. I suppose it is probably because of the whole Louis Armstrong thing...

By: pmurray63

pmurray63 — Sun, 13 Jun 2004 11:25:39 -0800

Great post! Thanks, languagehat.