When The Saints Go Marching In
Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

We are traveling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
But we'll all be reunited (but if we stand reunited)
On a new and sunlit shore (then a new world is in store)

O when the Saints go marching in
When the Saints go marching in
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

And when the sun begins to shine
And when the sun begins to shine
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

When the moon turns red with blood
When the moon turns red with blood
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

On that hallelujah day
On that hallelujah day
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

O when the trumpet sounds the call
O when the trumpet sounds the call
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

Some say this world of trouble
Is the only one we need
But I'm waiting for that morning
When the new world is revealed

When the revelation comes
When the revelation comes
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

When the rich go out and work
When the rich go out and work
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

When the air is pure and clean
When the air is pure and clean
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

When we all have food to eat
When we all have food to eat
O Lord, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

When our leaders learn to cry
When our leaders learn to cry




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

Overall Meaning

Louis Armstrong’s β€œWhen the Saints Go Marching In” is a joyful and uplifting song that dates back to the early 1900s. The song speaks about the hope and anticipation for a new world where there will be love, peace, and happiness, and where everyone will be reunited with those who have gone before.


The lyrics emphasize the importance of being a part of the number of saints and being prepared for when the trumpet sounds the call. It also discusses waiting for a new revelation and hoping for the time when leaders will learn to cry and work for the greater good. The song invokes a sense of unity and togetherness, a shared hope among saints that they will one day march into the new world with hearts full of joy.


This song has been recorded by many artists in various styles, but it remains a staple in New Orleans jazz and second line parades. It has also been played in sports events and performed by marching bands during halftime shows. It is one of the most recognizable and beloved songs in American music history.


Line by Line Meaning

We are traveling in the footsteps Of those who've gone before But we'll all be reunited (but if we stand reunited) On a new and sunlit shore (then a new world is in store)
We are following the path of our ancestors, but we will meet again in an eternal and prosperous world if we stay united.


O when the Saints go marching in When the Saints go marching in O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be amongst the righteous when they enter heaven.


And when the sun begins to shine And when the sun begins to shine O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be counted among the faithful when the end times come, and the sun reveals the light of God.


When the moon turns red with blood When the moon turns red with blood O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be among the saved when the world is consumed by destruction and chaos.


On that hallelujah day On that hallelujah day O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be there on the day when the faithful have their ultimate victory and praise God with exaltation.


O when the trumpet sounds the call O when the trumpet sounds the call O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be counted among the believers when the trumpet of God sounds on the day of reckoning.


Some say this world of trouble Is the only one we need But I'm waiting for that morning When the new world is revealed
Some people believe that we only need this world of pain, but I look forward to the day when the new world is revealed.


When the revelation comes When the revelation comes O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be among the faithful when the end times come and the true nature of God is revealed.


When the rich go out and work When the rich go out and work O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be there when the rich and powerful are made accountable and have to work hard for their salvation.


When the air is pure and clean When the air is pure and clean O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I look forward to the day when our world is not polluted, and we can take joy in breathing in the pure air of God's creation.


When we all have food to eat When we all have food to eat O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be present when no one has to suffer from hunger, and everyone is provided with God's bounty.


When our leaders learn to cry When our leaders learn to cry O Lord, I want to be in that number When the Saints go marching in
I want to be there when the mighty weep, and those in charge realize the error of their ways and turn towards God.




Lyrics Β© OBO APRA/AMCOS

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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.

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@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

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