Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino (born February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, Lou… Read Full Bio ↴Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino (born February 26, 1928 in New Orleans, Louisiana, died October 24, 2017), was a classic R&B and rock and roll singer, songwriter and pianist. He was the best-selling African-American singer of the 1950s and early 1960s whose congenial, non threatening personality allowed him to succeed despite a period of deep-seated racial segregation. Domino is also a pianist with an individualistic bluesy style showing stride and boogie-woogie influences.

In 1986, he was among the first batch to get inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" were named part of The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll. In 2004, "Blueberry Hill" was named #81 and "Ain't That A Shame" was named #431 on Rolling Stone's Top 500 Songs Of All Time. In 2004, he was named #25 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists Of All Time.

In the wake of Domino's rescue from his 9th ward home during 2005's Hurricane Katrina, the Tipitina's Foundation organized a tribute album to the elder artist featuring Robert Plant, Norah Jones, Paul McCartney and numerous other acts that owe a creative debt to this seminal rock n roll pianist.

When the Saints Go Marching in
Fats Domino Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Dear Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in

Oh, when the sun refuse to shine
Oh, when the sun refuse to shine
Dear Lord I want to be in that number

When the sun refuse to shine

Oh when they crown Him Lord of All
Oh when they crown Him Lord of All
Dear Lord, I want to be in that number
When they crown Him Lord of All

Oh, when they gather 'round the throne
Oh, when they gather 'round the throne

Dear Lord, I want to be in that number
When they gather 'round the throne

Overall Meaning

Fats Domino's song "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a well-known tune that features a hopeful message about the desire to be counted among the faithful in heaven. The lyrics express the singer's longing to be included in a select group of people who will march with the saints when they enter heaven. The repetition of the lyrics, "Oh, when the saints go marching in," emphasizes the urgency and importance of being included in this group.

The song progresses with the singer expressing the desire to be a part of this group, even during difficult times, such as when "the sun refuse to shine." The religious imagery used in the lyrics is a representation of the values of Christian beliefs. The singer also expresses a desire to be present when "they crown Him Lord of All" and "when they gather 'round the throne," which highlights the importance of being present for important spiritual events.

Overall, the song is a simple, yet powerful expression of the longing for spiritual unity and eternal salvation, which elicits feelings of hope and optimism for both the singer and the listener.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, when the saints go marching in
I aspire to be among the righteous who will be welcomed into heaven

Dear Lord, I want to be in that number
I humbly pray to be counted among the blessed ones who will enter heaven

When the sun refuse to shine
Even in the worst of circumstances or the end of the world, I still yearn to be among the righteous

Oh when they crown Him Lord of All
When Jesus is recognized and celebrated as the ultimate King of all, I seek to be among those rejoicing

When they gather 'round the throne
When the faithful are assembled before the throne of God, I hope to be included among them

Lyrics © NATOARTS LIMITED
Written by: TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS