When The Saints Go Marching In
Henry Jerome and His Orchestra Lyrics


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Sisters and brothers
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)
Yes, I want to be in that number
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

Overall Meaning

The song "When the Saints Go Marching In" performed by Henry Jerome and His Orchestra is a joyful and lively song that is often associated with New Orleans and Jazz music. The song starts with an introduction by the Reverend Satchmo, who is none other than Louis Armstrong himself. He sets the stage for the song by describing it as a sermon and announces the topic as "When The Saints Go Marching In." The song then begins with a trombone solo by Brother Higginbotham followed by a trumpet solo by Brother Holmes.


The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and talk about the desire to be a part of the group of saints who will be marching in. The repeated and catchy line "When the Saints go marching in" is a call to everyone to dream and hope to be a part of this great procession. The song is upbeat, catchy, and full of energy. It is a song that can lift your spirits and make you feel happy and hopeful.


Overall, "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a song about hope, faith, and joy. It celebrates the belief that there is something greater than ourselves that we can aspire to and be a part of. It is a song that has stood the test of time and remains a beloved tune for many.


Line by Line Meaning

Sisters and brothers
Addressing the audience with respect and unity


This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
Announcing the singer's identity and intention to deliver a smooth speech


My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Introducing the topic of the sermon for the evening


Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!
Acknowledging the arrival of a fellow musician and encouraging him to play his instrument


Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Referring to a popular spiritual song and its chorus


Yes, I want to be in that number
Expressing the desire to be among the saints mentioned in the song


Blow it, brother Holmes!
Encouraging another musician to play his instrument


Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Repeating the chorus of the song with slight variations


Yes, I want to be in that number
Reaffirming the desire to be part of the group of saints mentioned in the song




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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