When the Saints Go Marching in
Belafonte Harry Lyrics
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Yes when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that ever lovin' number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints, go marching in
Yes when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
Oh yes, I had a dear old mother
And if you should see her before I do
Won't you tell her that you saw me coming
I was struttin' straight on through
Oh, when the saints, go marching in
Yes when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
In "When The Saints Go Marching In", Harry Belafonte is expressing his desire to join the number of saints on the day when they will ascend to heaven. The chorus represents the main theme of the song, which is the hope and faith of believers that will come to the fore on the day of reckoning when the saints will triumph over the world. The underlying spirituality and gospel music that characterizes the song have roots in the Christian belief that these saints will be the ones who will stand firm in their faith despite the adversities they have faced on earth.
The verses of the song provide an aspiration that Harry Belafonte wishes to attain. He mentions his mother and asks whoever sees her before he does to let her know about his arrival. His excitement and confidence in the forthcoming event are evident when he says "I was struttin' straight on through". His use of the phrase "in that number" highlights his belief that he wants to be included among the righteous souls who will be lifted up in glory. This song can be interpreted as a parable of hope and perseverance that reveals the triumphant triumph of the faithful on judgment day.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, when the saints, go marching in
When the day comes that the saints are called to Heaven
Yes when the saints go marching in
Indeed, the day is coming when the saints will be called to Heaven
Oh Lord I want to be in that ever lovin' number
Lord, I desire to be among the number of those who will be called to Heaven
When the saints go marching in
When the day comes that the saints are called to Heaven
Oh, when the saints, go marching in
When the day comes that the saints are called to Heaven
Yes when the saints go marching in
Indeed, the day is coming when the saints will be called to Heaven
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
Lord, I desire to be among the number of those who will be called to Heaven
When the saints go marching in
When the day comes that the saints are called to Heaven
Oh yes, I had a dear old mother
I had a beloved mother in my life
And if you should see her before I do
If you happen to see her before I do
Won't you tell her that you saw me coming
Please tell her that I am on my way
I was struttin' straight on through
I was walking confidently and boldly
Oh, when the saints, go marching in
When the day comes that the saints are called to Heaven
Yes when the saints go marching in
Indeed, the day is coming when the saints will be called to Heaven
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
Lord, I desire to be among the number of those who will be called to Heaven
When the saints go marching in
When the day comes that the saints are called to Heaven
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind