The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
When The Saints Go Marching In
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We are all traveling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
But we all be reunited
On a new and sunlit shore
Oh when the saints go marching in
Oh when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
(when the saints, when the saints)
And when the sun (aahh) begins to shine (aahh)
And when the sun begins to shine (aahh)
Oh lord (aahh) I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
(when the saints)
Hmm,
(when the saints)
when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in (oohh) (go marching in)
Oh lord I want to be in that number (oohhh)
When the saints go marching in
Oohhh (when the saints)
Some say this world of trouble (this world of trouble)
Is the only one we need (only one we need)
But i'm waiting, (waiting for that morning)
Waiting for that morning, (waiting for that morning)
When the new world is rebuilt (when the saints)
Oh when the saints (oh when the saints)
go marching in (go marching in)
Oh when the saints go marching in (go marching in)
Oh lord I want (oh lord)
to be in that number (in that number
When the saints (when the saints)go marching in
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
hmmmm when the saints
hmmmm when the saints
hmmmm
The lyrics of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song "When the Saints Go Marching In" speak of traveling on a journey, following in the footsteps of those who have gone before. It suggests that no matter what we face in this world of trouble, we will one day be reunited on a new and sunlit shore. The song also speaks of the desire to be part of that number and to witness the trumpet sounds that will call the saints to march in. It emphasizes the yearning for a better world, a new world that will be rebuilt.
The song's message conveys a sense of hope, faith, and perseverance. It encourages people to hold onto the belief that there is a better future beyond this world. It speaks to the human longing for meaning and purpose, and it offers reassurance that we are not alone in our journey. This song was popularized by jazz and blues artists in the early 1900s and became a staple in many New Orleans jazz funerals. It has been sung in various genres, including gospel, rock, and pop, and is considered a staple hymn in many Christian churches today.
Line by Line Meaning
We are all traveling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
We are walking in the same path that our ancestors have taken.
But we all be reunited
On a new and sunlit shore
In the end, we will be together again in a better world.
Oh when the saints go marching in
Oh when the saints go marching in
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The singer desires to be among the saints when they enter heaven.
And when the sun (aahh) begins to shine (aahh)
And when the sun begins to shine (aahh)
Oh lord (aahh) I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The singer wishes to be with the saints when they enter the paradise.
Some say this world of trouble (this world of trouble)
Is the only one we need (only one we need)
But i'm waiting, (waiting for that morning)
Waiting for that morning, (waiting for that morning)
When the new world is rebuilt (when the saints)
Although some individuals believe that we only need this world, the singer waits for a better world, the world in which saints reside.
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call
Oh when the trumpet sounds the call
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The singer wants to be among the saints when they enter heaven in response to the sound of a trumpet.
Contributed by Grayson T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@em1osmurf
THIS!. what i want played at my funeral. not sadness in death, but joy and glory in joining with god! they played it for my dad, i want it too!
@jasonpaul82
Awesomeness
@keithhohmann7652
I remember as an 8 year old child in Louisville, KY listening to the Mormon Choir from Salt Lake City (a super far away place). I am now 85 years young, and I still love listening to the Choir.
@ayoroyce7888
God bless you
@yellowjacket1613
Regardless of one's religious affiliation, this choir is an American treasure.
@normansilver9834
I thank God daily for the release of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I am now home bound and this is one thing on my daily routine that is truly uplifting to me. Thank you LDS Church for sharing this talent with us!
@samuelgeorge4119
Hi Chris
@Amanda_P3
I'm not a mormon but the MTC is hands down THE BEST choir to come out of any church! I love them so much.
@sergiojoseespino4751
I am not a Mormon. But I really love the Mormon choir. It is just AMAZING!
@prestonbrower762
It's "America's Choir" to quote Pres. Reagan