Harry Belafonte (born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. in Harlem, NYC, on 1 Ma… Read Full Bio ↴Harry Belafonte (born Harold George Bellanfanti Jr. in Harlem, NYC, on 1 March 1927; died 25 April 2023) was an American singer, activist, and actor. As arguably the most successful Caribbean-American pop star, he popularized Jamaican mento folk songs which was marketed as Trinbagonian Calypso musical style with an international audience in the 1950s. His breakthrough album Calypso, released in 1956, was the first million-selling LP by a single artist.

Belafonte is perhaps best known for singing the "Banana Boat Song", with its signature lyric "Day-O". Throughout his career, he was an advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes.

Belafonte won three Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award), an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. In 1989, he received the Kennedy Center Honors. He was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1994. In 2014, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Academy's 6th Annual Governors Awards and in 2022 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Early Influence category and was the oldest living person to have received the honor.

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When The Saints Go Marching In
Harry Belafonte Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, when the saints, go marching in
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

When the saints go marching in

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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Harry Belafonte's "When the Saints Go Marching In" refer to a traditional gospel song, which is also known as "The Saint's Hymn". The song is a joyful, upbeat hymn that is often performed in religious settings and has become a popular tune in many different musical genres, including jazz and blues. The song celebrates the day when believers will be united in heaven, and all their earthly struggles and trials will be forgotten.

The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the song, as they refer to the moment when the saints will march into heaven. The singer expresses a desire to be with the "ever lovin' number" of saints who will be part of this glorious procession. The refrain of the song repeats this sentiment, with the singer expressing a desire to be included in the number of saints who will march "when the saints go marching in". The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, as though the singer cannot wait for the moment to arrive.

The final verse of the song refers to the singer's mother and the desire to be reunited with her in heaven. The image of the singer "struttin' straight on through" creates a sense of confidence and determination, as though the singer is ready to face whatever challenges may come their way to reach their ultimate destination. The overall tone of the song is one of joy and celebration, as though the singer is looking forward to a great party in heaven.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, when the saints, go marching in
I aspire to join the righteous ones in the afterlife

Yes when the saints go marching in
It is a certainty that the chosen ones will enter heaven

Oh Lord I want to be in that ever lovin' number
Oh God, I would be grateful to be among the blessed ones

When the saints go marching in
At the time when the righteous are received into heaven

Oh yes, I had a dear old mother
I come from a family with a strong religious background

And if you should see her before I do
In case you meet my mother before me

Won't you tell her that you saw me coming
Please inform her that I am living a righteous life

I was struttin' straight on through
I am steadfast in my faith and hope to be accepted into heaven

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, VAN MORRISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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