When The Saints Go Marching In
Bob Haggart and His Orchestra Lyrics
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This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!
O when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
When the Saints go marching in
Blow it, brother Holmes!
Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in
The lyrics to "When The Saints Go Marching In" by Bob Haggart and His Orchestra evoke a sense of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the saints. The song's narrator is revealed to be Reverend Satchmo who is on stage, giving a sermon and urging the congregation to get into the spirit of the song. With Brother Higginbotham's trombone blasting in the background, Reverend Satchmo sings out with conviction: "When the Saints go marching in, I want to be in that number." He repeats this chorus twice, with Brother Holmes joining in on saxophone for the second round. The song's religious overtones give it a timeless quality, while its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it an infectious earworm that's hard to shake off.
Line by Line Meaning
Sisters and brothers
Addressing the audience respectfully and inclusively
This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
Louis Armstrong introducing himself and preparing to perform a smooth, relaxing song
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Louis Armstrong announcing the title and subject of his upcoming song
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!
Introducing a fellow musician and encouraging him to play his instrument well
O when the Saints (when the saints)
Expressing excitement and anticipation for when the saints appear
Go marching in (marching in)
Describing the way in which the saints will arrive and be celebrated
Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Repeating the joyful description of the saints' arrival
Yes, I want to be in that number
Expressing a desire to be among the chosen few to witness the saints' arrival
When the Saints go marching in
Repeating the celebratory chorus and expressing a longing to participate in this grand event
Blow it, brother Holmes!
Encouraging yet another musician to perform and add to the joyful noise
Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Continuing the jubilant description of the saints' arrival
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