When the Saints Go Marching in
J.C. Higginbotham (w. Louis Armstrong) 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

Oh, 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

In this song, we hear the voice of the legendary Louis Armstrong or "Satchmo", as he was commonly known, who is also the writer of many songs as well. As he introduces the song, he speaks about the text of his "mellow" sermon which is based on the biblical idea of the "the saints go marching in" which refers to the second arrival of Christ on earth, as it is believed by the Christian religion, and also about his desire to be there when it happens. The song features J.C. Higginbotham, who plays the trombone, and Brother Holmes, who also plays an instrument. The song is about the belief that the faithful followers of Christ will all gather in unison when he returns, known as "the saints", and how Armstrong wants to be there with them, playing his jazz music.

The song is a mix of religious and secular references- The religious references are in the lyrics and the secular reference is the jazz improvisation sound which is a hallmark of New Orleans jazz- a genre Armstrong helped to pioneer. This mix of the sacred and the profane is a hallmark of African American music.

The song has its roots in the tradition of jazz funerals in New Orleans. Jazz bands accompany a procession to the cemetery and then after the burial, return in a second line to the sound of up tempo songs, including this one.

Line by Line Meaning

Sisters and brothers
Addressing the audience as a family, in a communal and unifying way.

This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
Louis Armstrong is referring to himself as a reverend, indicating his power and skill in music while humbly describing the performance as a mellow or peaceful sermon.

My text this evenin's 'When The Saints Go Marching In'
Louis Armstrong's chosen topic for the sermon, specifically referencing the traditional gospel hymn 'When The Saints Go Marching In'.

Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy
Introducing J.C. Higginbotham, a fellow musician, and instructing him to play the trombone, indicating their shared passion for music.

Oh, when the Saints (when the saints)
The start of the chorus, expressing excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the saints.

Go marching in (marching in)
The saints are marching in, a joyful and celebratory event.

Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Reiterating the arrival of the saints, emphasizing the joy and excitement of their arrival once again.

Yes, I want to be in that number
Expressing a desire to be among the number of saints marching in, indicating a desire for personal salvation and inclusion in the community of saints.

When the Saints go marching in
Repeating the chorus, again expressing the excitement and anticipation for the arrival of the saints.

Blow it, brother Holmes
Addressing another musician, instructing them to play their instrument, continuing the joyful and celebratory atmosphere of the song.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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