When the Saints Go Marching in
Louis Armstrong & Ella Fitzgerald 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
@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.
@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 ......💎💎💎
@williammallory5553
Old Satchmo was a slick old dog. Lol
@user-nt1ik5tm7y
Thank you so much. Leon