Band members:
Jim Kerr (Pripton Weird) - vocals/keyboards
Charlie Burchill (Charlie Argue) - guitar/violin
Brian McGee - drums
Tony Donald - bass
John Milarky (Johnnie Plague) - vocals/guitar/sax
Alan McNeil (Sid Syphilis) - guitar
Saints
Johnny And The Self Abusers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well when the saints go marchin' in
Well when the saints go marchin in
Oh lord i want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in
When the sun refuse to shine
Well when the sun refuse to shine
When the sun refuse to shine
[Chorus: x2]
The song "When the Saints Go Marching In" has become an iconic part of American culture, often associated with jazz funerals and celebrations of life. Johnny And The Self Abusers's version, titled "Saints," puts a punk rock spin on the classic tune. The song's chorus expresses a desire to be a part of the group of saints when they "go marchin' in," referencing the biblical concept of believers being welcomed into heaven. The second verse adds a sense of urgency with the line "when the sun refuse to shine," suggesting that this afterlife goal is not one to be taken lightly.
However, Johnny And The Self Abusers's version adds a sense of rebellion to the spiritual undertones of the original. The band's punk sound and style reject traditional values and institutions, such as religion, creating a distinct sense of nonconformity. The chorus's call to be a part of the number of saints may also serve as a commentary on the importance of being part of a group or movement, rather than seeking individual success or salvation.
Line by Line Meaning
Well when the saints go marchin' in
The singer is expressing their desire to be included among the group of individuals referred to as saints when they ultimately ascend to heaven.
Oh lord i want to be in that number
The singer is appealing to the divine for the opportunity to be included in the number of individuals who will be present when they reach heaven.
When the sun refuse to shine
The singer is referring to a time when the natural world fails to provide light or warmth, which could indicate a period of turmoil or darkness in their life.
Lyrics © BRASSTACKS ALLIANCE
Written by: LEWIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@emcash7042
I’m really enjoying their older stuff 🤘🖤
@gasutrias9961
😍
@coinneachreid8971
Good shout to change your band name boys although "Dont you forget about me" hitting No1 by Johnny and the self Abusers would have been a hoot
@emcash7042
Dang I didn’t think about that 😂
@LarzGustafsson
Brilliant!
@craigy8559
Simple minds
@steverushton8193
Excellent ive got this on the original single from Chiswick
@abelisraelcruzayuso4682
I envy you. I'd love to have that in my collection!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘
@jessicakeast9766
The band actually broke up the day this was released, then became Simple Minds the following year.