The definitive Afroamerican gospel group in the jubilee quartet style.
<… Read Full Bio ↴The definitive Afroamerican gospel group in the jubilee quartet style.

Founded as the Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet in Norfolk, Virginia in 1934 by A. C. “Eddie” Griffin, Robert “Peg” Ford, Henry Owens, and Bill Johnson, they began as a traditional jubilee quartet, combining the clever arrangements associated with barbershop quartets with rhythms borrowed from the blues and jazz.

The makeup of the group changed over the years, as some members were drafted during the war and new members were brought in to replace those who had retired or left to join other groups. William Langford joined the group when Griffin left in 1935 and Orlandus Wilson replaced Ford the same year. Clyde Riddick replaced Langford in 1938, Johnson left in 1948 to join “The Jubalaires” and Owens left the group later to become a preacher and solo artist. Riddick remained with the group until his retirement in 1995 and Wilson until his death in 1998.

The Gates had a broad repertoire of styles—from Owens’ mournful, understated approach in songs such as Anyhow or Hush, Somebody’s Calling My Name, to the group’s highly syncopated arrangements in Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo. Like The Mills Brothers of popular music, they would often include vocal special effects in their songs, imitating train sounds in songs such as Golden Gate Gospel Train. Langford often sang lead, using his ability to range from baritone to falsetto, while Johnson narrated in a hip syncopated style that became the hallmark for the group.

When the saints
The Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Oh, when the saints, go marching in,
Yes when the saints go marching in.
Oh Lord I want to be in that ever lovin' number
When the saints go marching in.

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

When the saints go marching in.

Oh yes, I had a dear old mother,
And if you should see her before I do,
Won't you tell her that you saw me coming,
I was struttin' straight on through
Oh, when the saints, go marching in,
Yes when the saints go marching in.

Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.

Overall Meaning

The Golden Gate Quartet's version of "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a joyful and upbeat gospel song that speaks to the desire of believers to be among those who will enter heaven. The song's lyrics are simple, yet powerful, and express the desire to be counted among the saints in the final days. The singer expresses a deep desire to be a part of that number, to walk alongside those who have gone before, and to be reunited with loved ones who have passed on.

The song's lyrics also reference the singer's dear old mother, someone who appears to be of great importance to him. He asks that if anyone sees her before he does, to tell her that he was strutting straight on through, suggesting that he is living his life with purpose and intention, and that he is confident in his faith. The repetition of the lyrics and the upbeat melody both serve to reinforce the message of the song, which is one of hope and faith in the promise of eternal life.

Line by Line Meaning

Oh, when the saints, go marching in,
When those who have found the path to salvation make their way into Heaven,

Yes when the saints go marching in.
It's an absolute certainty that those who are saved will enter the gates of Heaven.

Oh Lord I want to be in that ever lovin' number
I sincerely desire to be among the righteous who will enter Heaven after the Last Judgment.

When the saints go marching in.
On the day of judgment, when the righteous souls are admitted to the kingdom of Heaven.

Oh yes, I had a dear old mother,
I had a loving and caring mother who raised me with high moral values.

And if you should see her before I do,
If you happen to meet my mother before I do,

Won't you tell her that you saw me coming,
Please let her know that I am walking the righteous path towards Heaven.

I was struttin' straight on through
I am walking steadfastly and confidently towards my spiritual destination.

Oh Lord I want to be in that number
I pray to be among the group of faithful who will enter Heaven.

When the saints go marching in.
When the righteous souls are admitted to the kingdom of Heaven after the Last Judgment.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TRADITIONAL, VAN MORRISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@user-qj2cg5sr2y

6y↑8

When The Saints Go Marchin In
Golden Gate Quartet
Oh, when the saints, go marching in,
Yes when the saints go marching in.
Oh Lord I want to be in that ever lovin' number
When the saints go marching in.
Oh, when the saints, go marching in,
Yes when the saints go marching in.
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.
Oh yes, I had a dear old mother,
And if you should see her before I do,
Won't you tell her that you saw me coming,
I was struttin' straight on through
Oh, when the saints, go marching in,
Yes when the saints go marching in.
Oh Lord I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in.
Songwriters: Van Morrison
When The Saints Go Marchin In lyrics © BMG Rights Management US, LLC

All comments from YouTube:

@chelitang

4y↑15

One of the best groups ever!

@r.monerris8876

6y↑12

Grandes, muy bien interpretada

@frankroy2005

4y↑12

I Love This Song Right Here.
Philippians 4:8
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise, dwell on these things.