Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding … Read Full Bio ↴Roger McGuinn (born James McGuinn III) is most famous for being a founding member, singer, guitarist, and songwriter in The Byrds. Since that band's demise he has had moderate success as a solo artist, working with many other artists, including Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Some of his solo material has appeared in films, such as 1969's Easy Rider.
Roger, along with the other Byrds members, was honored with an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.

When the Saints Go Marching in
Roger McGuinn Lyrics

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We are trav'ling in the footsteps
Of those who've gone before,
And we'll all be reunited,
On a new and sunlit shore,

Oh, when the saints go marching in
Oh, when the saints go marching in
Lord how I want to be in that number

When the saints go marching in

And when the sun begins to shine
And when the sun begins to shine
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the sun begins to shine

Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the trumpet sounds its call

Some say this world of trouble,
Is the only one we need,

But I'm waiting for that morning,
When the new world is revealed.

Overall Meaning

In Roger McGuinn's song When the Saints Go Marching In, he speaks about traveling in the footsteps of those who have gone before, with the hope of being reunited with them on a new and sunlit shore. He longs to be part of the number of saints who will be marching in when the trumpet sounds its call. McGuinn suggests that this world of trouble might not be the only one we need, as he waits for the morning when the new world is revealed.

The song's message appears to be one of hope and optimism amidst the trials and difficulties encountered in the present world. The lyrics present an ideal picture of a new world that is bright, joyful, and free from trouble, a place where people will be reunited with loved ones who have gone ahead of them. McGuinn's use of the trumpet, a musical instrument often associated with heraldry, adds to the sense of anticipation and excitement conveyed by the song's message.

In conclusion, McGuinn's When the Saints Go Marching In is a song filled with hope and the longing for a better future. The lyrics express an optimistic view of a new world that is free from pain and suffering, and where people will be reunited with loved ones who have gone before them. The use of the trumpet as a heraldic instrument adds to the song's sense of anticipation and excitement.

Line by Line Meaning

We are trav'ling in the footsteps
We are following the path set by those who came before us

Of those who've gone before,
The people who have come before us on this path

And we'll all be reunited,
We will all be together again

On a new and sunlit shore,
In a new, bright place

Oh, when the saints go marching in
When the virtuous join together

Lord how I want to be in that number
I am yearning to be a part of them

When the saints go marching in
When the virtuous join together

And when the sun begins to shine
When a bright new day breaks

Lord, how I want to be in that number
I am yearning to be a part of them

When the sun begins to shine
When a bright new day breaks

Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call
When the end is near