Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) was a trumpet player, singer, and bandleader, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists in the history of jazz.
When the Saints Go Marching in
Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong 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
Oh, 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
In Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong's song "When The Saints Go Marching In," Reverend Satchmo is preparing to deliver a sermon on the topic of the march of the saints. As he prepares to give the sermon, Brother Higginbotham enters the aisle with his trombone, and begins to play. The sentiment of the song is one of hope and anticipation to be among the righteous when the end of days comes. It is a religious song that reflects the Christian faith, especially African-American gospel music.
The lyrics speak of a parade of saints, where the faithful followers of Christ will be marching in triumph into heaven. They will play their trumpets, horns, and tambourines, and sing praises to God. When the saints go marching in, they will be wearing white robes, holding palm trees, and rejoicing with one another. The song expresses a desire to be counted among the saints, to be in that number when the glorious march commences.
Line by Line Meaning
Sisters and brothers
Addressing the audience as a community and proclaiming unity among them
This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
Introducing himself as a religious figure who will perform a soulful piece for the audience
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Announcing the song he will perform and the biblical reference it draws upon
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy
Welcoming the trombonist to join in the performance and play an integral part in the song
Oh, when the Saints (when the saints)
Expressing anticipation and excitement for the arrival of the Saints
Go marching in (marching in)
Emphasizing the movement and celebration associated with the arrival of the Saints
Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Reiterating the arrival of the Saints and the joyous atmosphere that will follow
Yes, I want to be in that number
Expressing the desire to be a part of the group of Saints and experience the glory that comes with it
When the Saints go marching in
Emphasizing the importance and anticipation of the arrival of the Saints
Blow it, brother Holmes
Encouraging the trumpeter to join the performance and play a significant role in the song
Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Repeating the refrain of the song in preparation for its climax
Go marching in (marching in)
Emphasizing the jubilant and celebratory occasion that is the arrival of the Saints
Yes, I want to be in that number
Reaffirming the desire to be a part of the group of Saints and experience their glory
When the Saints go marching in
Concluding the song with a repetition of its central theme and message
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional
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