When the Saints Go Marching in
Louis Armstrong & Danny Kaye Lyrics
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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)
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
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 © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@theseustoo
Wonderful performance! Either of these two dudes on their own is fabulous to listen to, but together, they're just totally incredible! Fantastic!!! 😁
@normanrappaport6683
THIS WAS THE GREATEST AMOUNT OF TALENT IN HISTORY. THESE TWO GENTLEMEN HAD MORE TALENT IN THEIR PINKY THEN WHAT YOU SEE IN HOLLYWOOD TODAY. THAT WAS THE GOLDEN ERA.
@stephenwoehr6500
With just these two, I agree there is a LOT of talent, but Danny and Louis would later play together with Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Lionel Hampton, Mel Powell, Buck and Bubbles, and more in "A Song Is Born."
@brucekuehn4031
With all due respect, The Five Pennies in 1959 is not really remembered that well.
I’ll take High Society in 1956 with Bing Crosby. Louis and his band both open the film as well as close it. Then, of course, you add in Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly.
@nievesserranotofe54
Que no te quepa la menor duda Norman.
@4115t41r
Amen.
@ednacrafts9979
I was very young (8) and loved to watch them on 📺. I too miss watching good old movies. 😢
@oliviontrax
Two legendary singers singing together in one of the best performances ever. I really love this 😃
@donschmidt8203
There must have been 3 billion dollars worth of talent on that stage during this production. Watching Lous Armstrong and Danny Kaye is like seeing Michelangelo sculpt and Da Vinci paint. A true template for all others to follow.
@smallnad1
Always wanted to see this picture. Thanks!