When The Saints Go Marching In
Preservation Hall Jazz Band Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Said when the saints, when the saints
When the saints go marching in
When the saints, when the saints, when the saints
Go marching in, marching in
Don't you know I want, I want to be in that number
Say when the saints when the saints go marching in
Marching on in
When the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
Don't you know I want, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in

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

When the sun refuse to shine
When the sun refuse to shine
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
Oh lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in

Oh when the sun refuse to shine
When the sun refuse to shine
Oh I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine

When the saints go marching in
When the saints go marching in
Don't you know I want, I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in

Oh when the saints go marching in




When the saints go marching in
Oohhhh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Preservation Hall Jazz Band's song When The Saints Go Marching In, while seemingly simple and repetitive, carry a deeper meaning. The song is a reference to the biblical book of Revelations, which describes the return of Jesus Christ and the ascent of saints to heaven. The lyrics speak of eagerly wanting to be included in this group of saints, to be part of the chosen few who get to experience this divine event. The repetitive nature of the song also reflects the idea of unwavering faith and persistence in one's pursuit of spiritual grace.


The song has become a staple in American culture, particularly in the South, and has been performed by countless artists in various genres. It's often played during celebrations and parades, with the audience often joining in and singing along to the familiar tune. The song's popularity can be attributed to its infectious melody and uplifting message, which resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.


Line by Line Meaning

Said when the saints, when the saints
We acknowledge the saints, who have lived virtuous lives, and are now in God's presence.


When the saints go marching in
We aspire to be among the saints, to see them and to share a heavenly existence with them.


When the saints, when the saints, when the saints
We repeat the reference to the saints to emphasize their importance and value to us.


Go marching in, marching in
We look forward to the time when the saints will join the procession to heaven.


Don't you know I want, I want to be in that number
We express our desire to be included in the group of the saints, to be recognized as virtuous and worthy of eternal life.


Say when the saints when the saints go marching in
We reiterate our acknowledgement of the saints' entrance to heaven and our aspiration to be among them.


Marching on in
We anticipate the onward movement of the procession and the continuation of the journey to heaven.


When the sun refuse to shine
Even in dark and difficult times, we still hope and long to be with the saints in heaven.


Oh lord I want to be in that number
We call upon God to grant us the privilege of being counted among the saints in heaven.


Oh when the saints go marching in
We express excitement and joy at the prospect of the saints' procession and our future inclusion among them.


Oh when the sun refuse to shine
We reiterate our persistence in our desire to be with the saints in the face of hardship and adversity.


Oohhhh
We express our emotion and enthusiasm for the prospect of being with the saints in heaven.




Contributed by Andrew V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

L.V the Truth


on Rattlin' Bones

The lyrics of Preservation Hall Jazz Band's "Rattlin' Bones" is a spooky tale about the supernatural phenomena that takes place in St. Josephine, a part of New Orleans. The opening lines of the song act as a warning to those who might wish to visit the place as it is plagued with rattling bones that make a frightening sound. The singer suggests that the sound is not coming from any ordinary source, but from the bones of the dead who have risen from the grave and started walking around.

As the song progresses, the singer presents himself as a witness to the terrifying events that take place in the graveyard. He admits that initially, he did not believe in the stories about the rattling bones. However, after spending a night in the cemetery out of a dare, he saw the horrifying sight of the dead rising from their graves. The chorus is an ominous warning to those who might venture near the St. Josephine graveyard, with the rattling bones creeping up behind the headstones, effectively sealing the fate of any curious visitors.

Edit: Others argue that a deeper meaning hides between the lines. It has been said that homosexuality was a heavy taboo around the turn of the century. Evidence shows that the occasional (sexual) encounter was not uncommon in graveyards, at night. Many young men sought hidden corners of the city so they could get their "bones rattled." Hotels were reserved for "Socially Acceptable" Folks. So if you didn't want to see anyone's bones getting rattled, it's best to visit a graveyard during appropriate visiting hours.

More Versions