When the Saints Go Marching in
Judy Garland And Liza Minnelli Lyrics

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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

Oh, when the sun, refuses to shine
I still, want to be in that number
When the sun refuses to shine

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

Overall Meaning

The song "When The Saints Go Marching In" is an old gospel hymn that is sung with joy and enthusiasm. The lyrics express a desire to be among the righteous when salvation comes. The first verse talks about wanting to be counted among the saints in the end times. The singer wants to be part of that group of people who are chosen to be with God in heaven. The second verse talks about a time when the world is dark, and the sun is gone, yet the singer still wants to be part of the saints' number. This is a testament to the faith that the singer has, that even in the darkest of times, they will still hold onto the hope of redemption.

The chorus is a triumphant celebration of the saints going to heaven. The singer proclaims that they will sing out and thunder when the saints go marching in. The third verse repeats the desire to be among the saints, and the final verse emphasizes the desire to still be part of that number, no matter what happens. The song is a celebration of faith, and the steadfast belief that one will be counted among the chosen few when the final judgment comes.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, when the saints go marching in
Expressing joy and excitement for the arrival of the saints

Oh, when the saints go marching in
Repeating the excitement for the arrival of the saints

I want to be in that number
Desiring to be among the saints when they arrive

When the saints go marching in
Referring to the arrival of the saints to heaven

Oh, when the sun, refuses to shine
Even if the world is in darkness and despair

I still, want to be in that number
Maintaining the desire to be among the saints

When the sun refuses to shine
During a difficult and dark time

I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
Promising to celebrate and praise upon the arrival of the saints

Oh, when the saints go marching in
Repeating the sentiment of excitement for the arrival of the saints

Yes, I want to be in that number
Affirming the desire to be among the saints

When the saints go marching in
Referring once again to the arrival of the saints