Oh When the Saints
Lady Gaga Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in

Oh, on that day they called my name
I took a breath and then I prayed
Oh, how I wanna sing with the angels
When the saints do their parade

I talked to God about my heart
The devil played something inside
Oh, I would love to dance up in heaven
When the saints go play their part

The sky went dark, I fell apart
Fell to my knees, I cried so hard
But then I said goodbye to my children
Hoping they can meet me far

Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in





Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in

Overall Meaning

Lady Gaga's rendition of "Oh When the Saints" resonates with themes of longing, spirituality, and a quest for belonging, wrapped in the metaphor of a grand procession of saints. The repeated chorus emphasizes a deep desire to be part of something greater—a sacred assembly characterized by purity and divine purpose. The term "saints" often refers to individuals who have led virtuous lives or have been recognized for their holiness. In this context, the singer expresses an earnest aspiration to join this revered group, aligning themselves with virtues and the hope of divine acceptance. This yearning underlines a universal human desire for connection to something eternal and transcendent, especially in the face of life's struggles.


In the second verse, Lady Gaga brings a personal touch to the narrative, showcasing an intimate conversation with God, indicative of her inner turmoil and desire for solace. The line, "I took a breath and then I prayed," illustrates a moment of vulnerability, where the act of praying becomes a cathartic release and a plea for guidance. The longing to "sing with the angels" suggests a hope for redemption and a harmonious union with divine beings after life's trials. In this context, the saints' parade serves as a symbolic gathering of souls moving towards the afterlife, transcending earthly pain, and embracing celestial joy. It conveys a vision of paradise filled with musical celebration, where the angels represent peace and the resolution of earthly struggles.


The third verse dives into the psychological conflict faced by the singer, notably the struggle between good and evil. "I talked to God about my heart" depicts a search for understanding and clarity, while the mention of the devil introduces an internal battle—one of temptation, despair, and moral questioning. This juxtaposition underscores the complexities of faith and the human condition, highlighting that while one yearns for the divine and the comforts of heaven, the reality of temptation and heartache remains an ever-present adversary. The desire to "dance up in heaven" reflects a yearning for liberation from earthly woes, portraying heaven as a place of joyous release, celebration, and eternal acceptance.


Finally, the fourth verse takes a poignant turn, incorporating themes of loss and longing for the singer's children. The phrase "I fell apart" reveals deep emotional vulnerability, portraying the pain of separation and the weight of grief. In acknowledging their children, the singer expresses hope that their love will persist and that they will eventually reunite, transcending the barriers of life and death. This heartfelt admission encapsulates a commitment to familial bonds that persist through sorrow. The repeated refrain grounds the song in a hopeful anticipation of the afterlife, emphasizing the desire to be part of the processional of saints, thus intertwining the personal with the universal, and encapsulating the essence of hope, faith, and the eternal quest for belonging beyond mortality.


Line by Line Meaning

Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Ah, the moment when the righteous individuals triumphantly enter the glorious realm.


Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Ah, as the virtuous souls make their revered entrance into a sacred space.


Lord, I want to be in that number
Dear God, I yearn to be counted among that esteemed assembly.


When the saints go marchin' in
When those pure-hearted beings joyously make their procession.


Oh, on that day they called my name
Ah, on the day when I was summoned and recognized by the divine.


I took a breath and then I prayed
I paused, inhaled deeply, and then offered my heartfelt supplication.


Oh, how I wanna sing with the angels
Oh, how I desire to join the celestial beings in harmonious worship.


When the saints do their parade
As the holy individuals celebrate and display their devotion.


I talked to God about my heart
I confided in the Almighty regarding my deepest emotions and conflicts.


The devil played something inside
An inner turmoil stirred within, influenced by darker forces.


Oh, I would love to dance up in heaven
Oh, I long to joyously celebrate in the eternal paradise.


When the saints go play their part
As the virtuous take their roles in a divine performance.


The sky went dark, I fell apart
When despair descended upon me, I was overwhelmed and lost my composure.


Fell to my knees, I cried so hard
I humbled myself in sorrow, pouring out my grief with fervent tears.


But then I said goodbye to my children
Yet, I had to bid farewell to my beloved offspring.


Hoping they can meet me far
Wishing they would eventually reunite with me in a distant, better place.


Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Ah, when the virtuous souls make their grand entrance into paradise.


Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Ah, during that glorious moment when the holy ones are welcomed.


Lord, I want to be in that number
Oh Lord, I desire to be among that revered group of the faithful.


When the saints go marchin' in
When those who embody goodness gather together in celebration.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Chris Barber, James Milton Black

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@chamomile08

Lyrics

[Chorus]
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in

[Verse 1]
Oh, on that day they called my name
I took a breath and then I prayed
Oh, how I want to sing with the angels
When the saints do their parade

[Verse 2]
I talk to God about my heart
The devil plays some mean guitar
Oh, I would love to dance up in Heaven
When the saints go play their part

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
The sky went dark, I fell apart
Fell to my knees, I cried so hard
And then I said goodbye to my children
Hoping they'd carry me far

[Chorus]
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in



@Nicholas-kt4ul

"Oh, When The Saints"
Lady Gaga

[Chorus]
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in

[Verse 1]
Oh, on that day they called my name
I took a breath and then I prayed
Oh, how I want to sing with the angels
When the saints do their parade

[Verse 2]
I talk to God about my heart
The devil plays some mean guitar
Oh, I would love to dance up in Heaven
When the saints go play their part

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
The sky went dark, I fell apart
Fell to my knees, I cried so hard
And then I said goodbye to my children
Hoping they'd carry me far

[Chorus]
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in



All comments from YouTube:

@chamomile08

Lyrics

[Chorus]
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in

[Verse 1]
Oh, on that day they called my name
I took a breath and then I prayed
Oh, how I want to sing with the angels
When the saints do their parade

[Verse 2]
I talk to God about my heart
The devil plays some mean guitar
Oh, I would love to dance up in Heaven
When the saints go play their part

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
The sky went dark, I fell apart
Fell to my knees, I cried so hard
And then I said goodbye to my children
Hoping they'd carry me far

[Chorus]
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Oh, when the saints go marchin' in
Lord, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marchin' in

@madonnazone

😘

@IkhsanNicholas

Thanks

@chamomile08

@@IkhsanNicholas you're welcome!

@jackycierasmiciela

😍😍

@wc9361

Glad to see Gaga's era coming back❤️ GORGEOUSSS

@CururuEduu

0:16 This effect reminds me of the music video of Born This Way

@Lisboayb

Es cierto

@lilaijj8444

oh that’s why it looks familiar ❤❤

@woofwoofawoo-f7s

born this way is timeless for a reason ❤❤❤

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