When The Saints Go Marching In
Louis Prima & Sam Butera Lyrics
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Oh, when the saints go marching in
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I still, want to be in that number
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Yes, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I still want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Louis Prima's "When The Saints Go Marching In" is a gospel blues song with deep roots in Christianity. The song's central message is one of hope and redemption, expressed via the idea that all believers will be rewarded with eternal life in heaven. The song's opening lines, "Oh, when the saints go marching in," set the stage for a powerful and uplifting tune that exalts the human spirit and celebrates the possibility of salvation.
As the song progresses, Prima reinforces the idea of redemption and resurrection by repeating the phrase "I want to be in that number." The phrase is a direct reference to the Book of Revelation, which describes a multitude of saints who will enter heaven at the end of time. Prima's use of thunderous percussion and horn lines creates a joyful and celebratory atmosphere that is both spiritual and earthy.
The song's final verse, "I'm going to sing aloud and thunder," is a call to all believers to join in the celebration of God's love and power. This verse, like the rest of the song, is imbued with a sense of joyful anticipation and a firm belief in the transformative power of faith.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I yearn for the time when the pious will enter heaven
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I eagerly anticipate the arrival of those who have lived righteous lives
I want to be in that number
I aspire to be part of the group of holy individuals
When the saints go marching in
During the time when the virtuous join the afterlife
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I still aspire to be among the blessed
I'm going to sing aloud and thunder
I will rejoice with enthusiasm
When the saints go marching in
During the time when the saintly take their place in heaven
Oh, when the saints go marching in
I yearn for the arrival of the righteous
Yes, I want to be in that number
I am eager to be part of the fortunate souls that enter heaven
When the saints go marching in
At the time when the holy individuals go to their eternal resting place
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Despite everything, I continue to aspire to be with the blessed
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, VAN MORRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind