When the Saints Go Marching in
Louis Armstrong Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Sisters and brothers
This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy

Oh, when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

Blow it, brother Holmes

Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)




Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

Overall Meaning

The song "When the Saints Go Marching In" is an iconic gospel tune that has been performed by countless musicians, but perhaps the most famous version was recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1938. The song itself is a celebration of hope and redemption, with the lyrics expressing a desire to join the ranks of the saints when they march into heaven.


In the opening lines of the song, Armstrong introduces himself as Reverend Satchmo and sets the stage for his "mellow sermon" about the saints. As he sings the chorus, he is joined by his fellow musicians, including Brother Higginbotham on trombone and Brother Holmes on another instrument (possibly trumpet or clarinet). Together, they create a joyous, upbeat sound that perfectly captures the spirit of the song.


The lyrics of "When the Saints Go Marching In" are deceptively simple, but they convey a powerful message of hope and faith. By expressing a desire to be included among the "number" of saints when they enter heaven, the song celebrates the promise of eternal life and the belief that no matter how difficult our earthly journey may be, there is always hope for something better in the afterlife.


Line by Line Meaning

Sisters and brothers
Addressing the audience as a religious pastor would begin a sermon


This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
Introducing himself as the preacher of this sermon, preparing to perform a soulful message


My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Announcing the topic of discussion for today's sermon


Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy
Welcoming a fellow musician to play a solo instrument and enhance the message


Oh, when the Saints (when the saints)
Starting to sing the chorus of the song, celebrating the arrival of the saints


Go marching in (marching in)
Describing how the saints will arrive with a proud and lively gait


Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Repeating the chorus, emphasizing the excitement and anticipation


Yes, I want to be in that number
Expressing a personal desire to join the ranks of the saints


When the Saints go marching in
Repeating the main point of the song, yearning to witness the arrival of the saints


Blow it, brother Holmes
Encouraging another musician to add his own contribution to the song, showcasing the collective celebration




Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@BuddyBrownMusic

He truly was and is the spirit of New Orleans. God Bless this legend!

@peaceman4u

Buddy Brown u ain't lying

@troyandrew6154

Buddy Brown new Orleans? I'd say all of Louisiana

@rosettaquartz6012

Troy Andrew Yea!

@WilhelmWilder

Even though the man who wrote it was from arkansas

@TheModShopCO

Garrett Baker he, meaning Louis Armstrong. Forget this particular song, Louis is the embodiment of Louisiana Soul.

41 More Replies...

@hicow6075

The woman singing along side Louis is Jewel Brown. She's still alive at 85 years old and is very well renowned within the jazz and blues world as a singer!

@joecox6931

Thanks for that information......she is wonderful ......πŸ’ŽπŸ’ŽπŸ’Ž

@williammallory5553

Old Satchmo was a slick old dog. Lol

@user-nt1ik5tm7y

Thank you so much. Leon

More Comments

More Versions