When The Saints Go Marching In
Ottilie Patterson & Chris Barber Lyrics


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Let's look up as we walk, so that the tears don't spill
Remembering that spring day, that lonely night.
Let's look up as we walk, count the blurry stars
Remembering that summer day, that lonely night.

Happiness is above the clouds,
Happiness is above the skies.
Let's look up as we walk, so that the tears don't spill
Crying as we walk, that lonely night.
Remembering that autumn day, that lonely night.

Sadness is in the shadow of the clouds,
Sadness is in the shadow of the moon.




Let's walk with our head held up so that the tears don't spill,
Crying as we walk, that lonely night.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ottilie Patterson & Chris Barber's song, "When The Saints Go Marchin' In," are about keeping one's head held high and looking up while walking, in order to avoid tears and sadness. The lyrics make reference to different times of the year, such as spring, summer, and autumn, and encourage the listener to remember both happy and lonely times. The repeated refrain of "let's look up as we walk" serves as a reminder to focus on what's ahead and not dwell on any past hardships. Happiness is portrayed as being "above the clouds" and "above the skies," while sadness is said to be in the shadows of clouds and the moon. Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that no matter what has happened in the past, it's important to keep moving forward and maintain a positive perspective.


Overall, the lyrics to "When The Saints Go Marchin' In" provide a message of hope and resilience. Despite the references to sadness and loneliness, the song reminds us that there is always something to look forward to and happiness to be found. By keeping our heads held high and looking up, we can avoid dwelling on past hardships and move towards a brighter future.


Line by Line Meaning

Let's look up as we walk, so that the tears don't spill
We must lift our heads and gaze towards the sky as we walk to avoid showing our sadness.


Remembering that spring day, that lonely night.
We recall past times of both joy and sorrow which still affect us deeply.


Let's look up as we walk, count the blurry stars
We need to stare at the twinkling stars above us and count them while trying to deal with our blurred vision caused by tears.


Remembering that summer day, that lonely night.
Our memories go back to past moments of happiness and sorrow which continue to affect us.


Happiness is above the clouds,
We believe that happiness exists beyond the clouds in the sky.


Happiness is above the skies.
Happiness exists within the vast expanse of the heavens.


Crying as we walk, that lonely night.
As we move forward we shed tears of sadness, feeling alone and isolated.


Remembering that autumn day, that lonely night.
Painful memories of joy and sadness resurface, affecting us deeply.


Sadness is in the shadow of the clouds,
We believe that sadness can be found in the shadows cast by the clouds.


Sadness is in the shadow of the moon.
Sadness can also be found in the shadows created by the moon's light.


Let's walk with our head held up so that the tears don't spill,
We must walk with our heads held high as we try to prevent our tears from falling.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BILL (USA) BLACK, PD TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jacktolkien5685

Love this version! R.I.P. Chris barber! Your memories will live on

@1510Ronald

R.I.P. Chris, you are now in heaven to play this peace on the judgement day - I will be there

@denisespencer6550

When did he die?

@keithtanner2806

I have this original record. Just the most outstanding band of the time. Chris is still touring, amazingly, but so many of this band are now gone. I met them fleetingly a couple of times and was privileged to be invited to the unveiling of the memorial plaque at Ottilie’s birthplace in Comber NI, later I attended her tribute concert at the nearby La Mon Hotel. Ottilie is buried in the Paterson family grave in Movilla Abbey cemetery. Such a stunning voice from an impossible frame.

@lanc3man

Wonderful interplay between Chris and Pat at 3.04 to 3.18 - Marvellous !

@percyeggbowelman4050

Once again Chris Barber is at the top of his game!

@1510Ronald

best version ever

@60sken

I too wish it would come back. In the 60s we would go regularly to trad jazz at Cadnam. The place swung everyone was happy. This sound makes you happy. Ottille is brilliant ,I’m happy now,thanks for posting

@bobbeck2743

Monty Sunshine the best clarinetist of all time.

@andysolution62

absolut....

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