In 1926 returned to Chicago where he recorded as the Hot Five and Hot Seven, producing classic jazz such as West End Blues, Potato Head Blues, Cornet Chop Suey, Heebie Jeebies and Tight Like That. In effect, Louis "invented" swing and brought the soloist into the spotlight with his trumpet and his vocals.
During the 1930's his popularity soared as an entertainer and leader of a big band. Hits included Swing That Music, The Saints, Struttin with Some Bar-B-Que, Pennies From Heaven and Jeepers Creepers.
In the mid-1940's he returned to the small band format, Armstrong and the All Stars, with Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard, Earl Hines and rhythm. He maintained this format with varied personnel until his death in 1971. During his last decade he had hits of Hello Dolly and What A Wonderful World.
It is widely accepted that Louis Armstrong was the most influential instrumentalist and vocalist jazz has ever known.
On My Way
Louis Armstrong And His Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
On my way now, got on my traveling shoes
Well, I'm on my way now, got on my traveling shoes
Them shoes now, got on my traveling shoes
Oh, child got on my traveling shoes
Well, I went to the church, I walked right in
The saints began to pray and the Lord came in
The saints began to pray and the fires did halt
[Chorus]
Well, I went to the valley, didn't go to stay
My soul got empty and I stayed all day
I went to the river and walked right in
The saints were all saying, "wash away your sins"
[Chorus]
On my way now, got on my traveling shoes
Yes, I'm on my way now, got on my traveling shoes
Goin' home now, got on my traveling shoes
Goin' home now, got on my traveling shoes
I'm on my way now, got on my traveling shoes
On my way
Yes, I'm about to leave you on my way
I'm wearing my traveling shoes on my way
Yes, I'm going home where things are always good
Louis Armstrong's "On My Way" is a gospel song that is all about the journey to heaven in the afterlife. The lyrics are a metaphor for living a good life and being faithful to God so that when the time comes for us to pass on, we can confidently say that we are going home to a better place. The singer describes his journey thus far, from going to church and having the saints pray for him to finding peace at the river and washing away his sins. The traveling shoes referred to in the song symbolize the readiness to move forward, to keep making progress towards one's destination, and to have the strength and faith to see the journey through to the end.
The song's chorus reaffirms that the singer is on his way, and that he is now equipped with his traveling shoes. They are no longer in the valley or by the river, but they are now headed home with a heart full of faith and hope. The journey is tough, as every step may bring challenges and temptations, but through God's grace and mercy, the singer is able to press on.
The beauty of "On My Way" is that it speaks to both the individual journey and the collective journey of faith. It reminds us that we are not alone on this journey, but that we are part of a larger community of believers who are all striving to reach the same destination. The song also encourages us to keep our focus on the goal and to trust in God's guidance as we navigate our way through the trials and tribulations of life.
Line by Line Meaning
On my way now, got on my traveling shoes
I am ready to leave and have equipped myself with shoes for travel.
Well, I'm on my way now, got on my traveling shoes
I am currently departing and have put on appropriate footwear for this journey.
Them shoes now, got on my traveling shoes
These shoes are specifically intended for travel.
Oh, child got on my traveling shoes
I have donned these shoes for my journey, indicating my ready and willing attitude.
Well, I went to the church, I walked right in
I entered a religious house without hesitation.
The saints began to pray and the Lord came in
The religious community began to pray, and enacting God's presence was soon felt.
I went to the alter, didn't find a fault
I approached the sacred altar and found no cause for complaint.
The saints began to pray and the fires did halt
The religious community prayed, resulting in the cessation of disturbing or dangerous flames.
Well, I went to the valley, didn't go to stay
I visited a low-lying area but did not stay there.
My soul got empty and I stayed all day
I remained in the valley for a lengthy period, during which my spirit became depleted.
I went to the river and walked right in
I proceeded to the running water and entered it unhindered.
The saints were all saying, "wash away your sins"
Fellow religious adherents urged me to cleanse myself of any misdeeds.
Goin' home now, got on my traveling shoes
I am returning home, equipped with travel gear.
Goin' home now, got on my traveling shoes
I am heading to my abode, wearing travel shoes.
I'm on my way now, got on my traveling shoes
I am actively moving toward my place of dwelling with my travel shoes on.
On my way
I am proceeding with my journey.
Yes, I'm about to leave you on my way
I am departing from you, and setting off on my way.
I'm wearing my traveling shoes on my way
I have outfitted myself with footwear suitable for travel.
Yes, I'm going home where things are always good
I am heading toward my place of residence, which is a source of joy and positivity.
Lyrics © Anthem Entertainment, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DIANE HILDERBRAND, DOMINIC FRONTIERE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Awara
My dad fav song
John Samper
Idk