With their smooth three part harmonies, collegiate appeal, and trademark striped shirts The Kingston Trio single-handedly revolutionized folk and pop music in America. Between the years of 1957-1967, Bob Shane, Nick Reynolds, and Dave Guard (who in 1961 was replaced by John Stewart), created a musical legacy that no other folk group has equalled or surpassed. The Kingston Trio has never failed to leave audiences energized and begging for more.
Until the advent of the Beatles in 1964, The Kingston Trio ruled the pop charts. They were the first act to sell more LP records than singles, placing 14 of their LP records in the "Top 10." One of those top ten made it to #1, redefining the group forever. The song that earned the Trio their first Grammy and catapulted them into the spotlight, was the legendary folk tune, "Tom Dooley." With the American public's desire to hear more music of the same kind, the folk era had been ushered into the limelight, leaving label exec's scrambling to imitate the Trio's distinct sound. Before long, the world was itching to hear the Trio live and be a part of their unparalled success.
Despite the Trio's immense popularity, today most of the Kingston Trio albums available on CD are compilations of the group's greatest hits. However, Folk Era Records has released one never before heard Kingston Trio album -"An Evening With The Kingston Trio," and re-issued two of the Trio's last three studio albums, "Stay Awhile" and "Children Of The Morning," to which eight of the twelve songs found on the third original LP "Something Else" have been added.
When the Saints Go Marching in
Kingston Trio Lyrics
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We are following the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
And we'll all be reunited
On that new and sunlit shore
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Go marching in (and when the saints)
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
And when the sun (and when the sun)
Refuse to shine (refuse to shine)
When the sun refuse to shine
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call,
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the trumpet sounds its call
Some say
This world of trouble
Is the only world we need
But I'm waiting for that morning (get ready)
Oh, when the new world is revealed, (oh when the new world is revealed)
Oh, when the new world is revealed
Oh, Lord,
I want to be in that number
When the new world is revealed
Yes, when the saints go marching in,
Go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, Lord,
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The lyrics to Kingston Trio's song "When The Saints Go Marching In" describe a desire to join the ranks of the blessed and enter heaven. The song pays homage to those who have gone before and emphasizes the hope of reuniting with them on "that new and sunlit shore." The repeated refrain "Oh, when the saints go marching in" expresses the desire to be among the righteous, even when faced with adversity, such as when the sun refuses to shine.
The song's lyrics also reference the idea that there is more to life than the troubles of this world. The singer waits for the morning when the new world is revealed and expresses a desire to be part of that number when it happens. This new world is likely a reference to the afterlife or heaven, where the saints are believed to reside.
Overall, the song is a celebration of faith and hope in the face of hardship. The lyrics emphasize the desire for eternal life and a reunion with those who have gone before, and the joyful tone of the music underscores this sense of optimism.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
Expressing agreement and enthusiasm for the following sentiment.
We are following the footsteps
We are walking the same path as those who came before us.
Of those who've gone before
Of the people who have passed away.
And we'll all be reunited
And we will all come together again.
On that new and sunlit shore
In a new and bright place.
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
When the righteous people enter heaven.
Go marching in (and when the saints)
Marching joyfully into heaven.
Oh, when the saints go marching in
When the righteous people enter heaven.
Oh, Lord, I
Oh Lord, I pray.
I want to be in that number
I want to be among those who go to heaven.
When the saints go marching in
When the righteous people enter heaven.
And when the sun (and when the sun)
And if the sun (and if the sun)
Refuse to shine (refuse to shine)
Stops shining (stops shining)
Oh, Lord, I
Oh Lord, I pray.
I want to be in that number
I want to be among those who go to heaven.
When the sun refuse to shine
If the sun stops shining.
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call,
When the trumpet is sounded to signal the time has come.
Oh, Lord, I
Oh Lord, I pray.
I want to be in that number
I want to be among those who go to heaven.
When the trumpet sounds its call
When the trumpet is sounded to signal the time has come.
Some say
Some people.
This world of trouble
This difficult world.
Is the only world we need
Is the only world we require.
But I'm waiting for that morning (get ready)
But I am hopeful for a better tomorrow.
Oh, when the new world is revealed, (oh when the new world is revealed)
When the new and better world is disclosed.
Oh, Lord,
Oh, Lord, I pray.
I want to be in that number
I want to be among those who go to heaven.
When the new world is revealed
When the new and better world is disclosed.
Yes, when the saints go marching in,
When the righteous people enter heaven.
Go marching in
Marching joyfully into heaven.
Oh, when the saints go marching in
When the righteous people enter heaven.
Oh, Lord,
Oh, Lord, I pray.
I want to be in that number
I want to be among those who go to heaven.
When the saints go marching in
When the righteous people enter heaven.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lindsay Crawford
So love these guys... thanks Dad!!
Catherine Green
Was played/sung at my father's funeral in '94