and a Soundtrack of Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
When the Saints Go Marching in
Isley Brothers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the sun, refuses to shine
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I still, want to be in that number
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I still want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The Isley Brothers' song "When The Saints Go Marching In" is a gospel song rooted in the African-American church traditions that dates back to the early 1900s. The song talks about the desire to be part of the number of the saints who will enter the kingdom of heaven when the day comes. The chorus, "Oh when the saints go marching in, oh when the saints go marching in, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in" expresses this longing to join the saints.
The first verse acknowledges that life on earth is uncertain, and the day may come when the sun refuses to shine. Despite this, the singer still wants to be among the number of the saints. The second verse reiterates this sentiment, stating that even if the stars fall from the sky, the singer wants to be in that number. The third verse turns more celebratory, talking about how the singer will sing aloud and thunder when the saints go marching in.
Overall, the song expresses faith in the belief that there is a better place waiting for those who have lived a righteous life on earth. The desire to be part of that number of the saints is a driving force for believers to live good lives and strive towards righteousness.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Anticipation and excitement for the arrival of the saints
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Further expression of eagerness for the arrival of the saints
I want to be in that number
Desire to be a part of the group of saints
When the saints go marching in
Repeating the anticipated arrival of the saints
Oh, when the sun, refuses to shine
Acknowledgement that even in difficult circumstances, the desire to be amongst the saints persists
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Reaffirmation of the excitement for the arrival of the saints
I still, want to be in that number
Regardless of external factors, the desire to be a part of the group of saints remains unchanged
When the sun refuses to shine
Further description of a difficult circumstance that may test one's faith
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Continued anticipation for the arrival of the saints
I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
An expression of joy and celebration upon the arrival of the saints
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Repeating the anticipation for the arrival of the saints
Yes, I want to be in that number
Affirming the desire to be amongst the saints
When the saints go marching in
Repeating the anticipated arrival of the saints
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Final expression of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the saints
I still want to be in that number
Final reaffirmation of the desire to be a part of the group of saints
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional
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