When The Saints Go Marching In
Mr. Eric & Mr. Michael Lyrics
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Oh when the saints go marching in
How we all want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
Now once I had a little playmate
She used to walk walk walk and talk with me
She don’t want to be seen around me
Oh when the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
The classic gospel song "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a powerful composition that is often played at religious celebrations, funerals, and parades. The song revolves around the hopeful idea that when the Day of Judgment comes, the righteous believers will emerge together as one to join a joyous parade led by Saints. The song is believed to have originated in the 19th century, but its exact origins are unknown. The lyrics center on the theme of entry into an eternal kingdom, with the invitation to join the saints when Christ comes again. The refrain repeats the line "When the saints go marching in," underscoring the primary goal for believers to live in such a way that they will be among that number on that final day.
The second verse of the song tells the story of a conversion experience that has irreparably changed the singer's social life. The singer explains that he used to have a friend who walked and talked with him, but after he became a convert, she no longer wanted to be around him. It's a poignant reminder that people may come and go throughout our lives, but our faith provides us with a steadfast foundation. In essence, the song is a call to persevere in faith so that one day we can join the other saints in the promised land.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh when the saints go marching in
Oh, how joyful it will be when the righteous enter the gates of heaven
Oh when the saints go marching in
Repeating the initial sentiment that the entrance into heaven will be a moment of pure elation and rejoicing
How we all want to be in that number
Expressing the universal desire to be counted among the blessed few who will be granted entry into heaven
When the saints go marching in
Reiterating the main idea that the ultimate goal is to be among the blessed few who will enter heaven
Now once I had a little playmate
Recalling a memory of a childhood friend or companion
She used to walk walk walk and talk with me
Describing the closeness of the friendship and the ease with which the two friends would share stories and time together
But now since I got converted
Noting the change in the singer's life since they became a believer in God or follower of Christ
She don’t want to be seen around me
Acknowledging the rejection that the artist has experienced from their former friend, who may not accept or understand the artist's new religious beliefs and lifestyle
Oh when the saints go marching in
Returning to the overarching theme of the song, that the goal of every righteous believer is to join the ranks of the blessed few who will enter heaven
When the saints go marching in
Repeating the main idea one more time with a confident and hopeful tone
I want to be in that number
Expressing the singer's own desire to be among the righteous when they are welcomed into heaven
When the saints go marching in
Concluding the song with one final reminder of the ultimate goal and hope of every believer, to enter heaven and be counted among the blessed few
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, J BAIRD, PD TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind