We are trav'ling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
But we'll all be reunited (but if we stand reunited)
On a new and sunlit shore (then a new world is in store)
O when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
And when the sun refuse (begins) to shine
And when the sun refuse (begins) to shine
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the moon turns red with blood
When the moon turns red with blood
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
On that hallelujah day
On that hallelujah day
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
O when the trumpet sounds the call
O when the trumpet sounds the call
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Some say this world of trouble
Is the only one we need
But I'm waiting for that morning
When the new world is revealed
When the revelation (revolution) comes
When the revelation (revolution) comes
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the rich go out and work
When the rich go out and work
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When the air is pure and clean
When the air is pure and clean
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When we all have food to eat
When we all have food to eat
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
When our leaders learn to cry
When our leaders learn to cry
O Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Louis Armstrong - When The Saints Go Marching In
When the Saints Go Marchin' In Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
"When the Saints Go Marching In" is an iconic American spiritual, deeply embedded in cultural history and perhaps most famously associated with the vibrant musical landscape of New Orleans. Louis Armstrong's rendition stands as a quintessential interpretation, his distinct voice and trumpet playing giving the tune a jubilant yet soulful character that resonates globally. While often heard in celebratory contexts like parades, its roots and lyrics speak to a profound longing and hope.
The central theme expressed in the lyrics revolves around the anticipation of a future gathering, when the "saints" embark on a significant journey. The verses portray a desire to be included in this collective, a heartfelt plea to "be in that number." This journey is described as following the path of those who have gone before, leading towards a "new and sunlit shore" or a "new world is in store," suggesting both continuity with the past and a hope for a transformed future state.
The song employs powerful imagery often found in eschatological or apocalyptic narratives. Phrases like "when the sun refuse to shine," "when the moon turns red with blood," and "when the trumpet sounds the call" evoke dramatic celestial events and divine summons. These elements align with biblical descriptions of the end times, judgment day, and the arrival of a new era, culminating in a "Hallelujah day," a moment of ultimate praise and triumph.
Beyond the traditional spiritual longing, the provided lyrics also introduce verses that paint a picture of a transformed earthly existence. References to a time "when the rich go out and work," "when the air is pure and clean," "when we all have food to eat," and "when our leaders learn to cry" describe a world of social justice, environmental restoration, shared prosperity, and empathetic governance. These verses ground the hope for a new world in tangible, material improvements, alongside the spiritual journey and revelation.
This combination of spiritual aspiration and a vision for a better earthly future contributes to the song's enduring power. Louis Armstrong's performance captures this duality, often blending reverence with a spirited vitality that transforms the song into an anthem of hope, whether for a heavenly hereafter or a redeemed world here on Earth, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire and uplift.
