Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, and the Foggy Mountain Boys were an influential… Read Full Bio ↴Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, and the Foggy Mountain Boys were an influential bluegrass band performing and recording in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

Flatt and Scruggs met as members of Bill Monroe's band, the Blue Grass Boys in 1946. They both left that band early in 1948, and within a few months had formed their own group, the Foggy Mountain Boys. Scruggs' banjo style and Flatt's vocals gave them a distinctive sound that won them many fans. In 1955 they became members of the Grand Ole Opry. Many of the songs on their albums are credited to "Certain and Stacey". These were in fact written by Flatt and Scruggs and various other members of the Foggy Mountain Boys. Certain and Stacey are the maiden names of the wives of Flatt and Scruggs. Louise Certain, wife of Earl Scruggs and Gladys Stacey, wife of Lester Flatt.

Scruggs, who had always shown progressive tendencies, experimented on duets with saxophonist King Curtis and added songs by the likes of Bob Dylan to the group's repertoire. Flatt, a traditionalist, did not like these changes, and the group broke up in 1969. Following the breakup, Lester Flatt founded the Nashville Grass and Scruggs lead the Earl Scruggs Revue. Flatt died in 1979, while Scruggs continued to perform until his death in March 2012. Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985

Flatt & Scruggs may be best known however as the performers of "The Ballad of Jed Clampit" the theme song from the sixties television show "The Beverly Hillbillies". Flatt & Scruggs made cameo appearances on the "The Beverly Hillbillies" as well.

When The Saints Go Marching In
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh when the saints go marching in when the saints go marching in
Oh Lord I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in
[ dobro ]
Oh when the stars begin to fall when the stars begin to fall
Oh Lord I want to be in that number when the stars begin to fall
Oh when the saints...
[ harmonica ]
Oh when they crown him Lord of all when they crown him Lord of all

Oh Lord I want to be in that number when they crown him Lord of all

Oh when the saints...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "When The Saints Go Marching In" by Lester Flatt;Earl Scruggs is an inspirational and hopeful song about the Christian belief of the afterlife. The song expresses a desire to be among the number of saints when they ascend to heaven. The repetition of the phrase "Oh Lord I want to be in that number when the saints go marching in" emphasizes the singer's earnest wish. The inclusion of the lines "when the stars begin to fall" and "when they crown him Lord of all" signifies the anticipation of the upcoming event of the second coming of Christ. All the three verses of the song essentially convey the same theme of the singer's desire to be among those who will be saved on Judgment Day.

There are numerous interpretations of the song. While some view it as a celebration of the end of the world and the Last Judgment, others see it as a symbolic representation of the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped African American slaves escape to freedom. The song is known for its upbeat and joyful melody, perfect for accompanying a parade of saints marching into heaven. It has become a gospel standard and is a staple at funerals and weddings. Its popularity has led to several cover versions and adaptations by various artists across genres.

When The Saints Go Marching InLester Flatt & Earl Scruggs Lyrics

When The Saints Go Marching In
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs Lyrics