When the Saints Go Marching in
The The Kingston Trio Lyrics
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We are following the footsteps
Of those who've gone before
And we'll all be reunited
On that new and sunlit shore
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Go marching in (and when the saints)
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
And when the sun (and when the sun)
Refuse to shine (refuse to shine)
When the sun refuse to shine
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call,
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the trumpet sounds its call
Some say
This world of trouble
Is the only world we need
But I'm waiting for that morning (get ready)
Oh, when the new world is revealed, (oh when the new world is revealed)
Oh, when the new world is revealed
Oh, Lord,
I want to be in that number
When the new world is revealed
Yes, when the saints go marching in,
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
The Kingston Trio's "When The Saints Go Marching In" is a gospel song that speaks of hope, faith, and the eternal promise of salvation. The lyrics suggest that those who have come before us have left behind footsteps for us to follow, and that we will all be united in a new world, a sunlit shore, if we remain faithful. This idea of seeking salvation is repeated throughout the song: when the saints go marching in, the singer wants to be among the chosen few who will enter the heavenly kingdom. Even when the sun refuses to shine and the world is full of trouble, the singer remains hopeful and steadfast in their goal of being in that number.
The idea of seeking salvation, particularly through the image of marching, is a very old one that can be traced back to the era of slavery in the US. Slave owners often encouraged their slaves to attend churches where they were taught that the afterlife offered a way out of their suffering. This theme of hope through faith has been a prominent one in gospel music ever since. The notion of being reunited with those who have gone before us is also a common theme in gospel music, as it speaks to a deep longing for connection and belonging that is often missing in everyday life.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh yeah
We are excited and enthusiastic about the upcoming events.
We are following the footsteps
We are emulating the actions of those who have come before us.
Of those who've gone before
We are respecting and honoring the legacy left by those who have passed away.
And we'll all be reunited
We believe that we will be reunited with our loved ones.
On that new and sunlit shore
We anticipate a peaceful and happy afterlife.
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
We eagerly anticipate the arrival of the saints.
Go marching in (and when the saints)
We are joyously waiting for the saints to arrive.
Oh, when the saints go marching in
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the saints.
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the saints go marching in
We hope to be included among those who will welcome the saints.
And when the sun (and when the sun)
Refuse to shine (refuse to shine)
We believe that even in times of darkness, God will be with us.
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the sun refuse to shine
We hope to be among those who can find comfort and guidance during difficult times.
Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call,
Oh, Lord, I
I want to be in that number
When the trumpet sounds its call
We hope to be among those who are called to join God's kingdom.
Some say
This world of trouble
Is the only world we need
Some people believe that the struggles and trials of this life are sufficient.
But I'm waiting for that morning (get ready)
Oh, when the new world is revealed, (oh when the new world is revealed)
Oh, when the new world is revealed
We believe that a better world is coming and we eagerly anticipate its arrival.
Oh, Lord,
I want to be in that number
When the new world is revealed
We hope to be among those who witness the new world.
Yes, when the saints go marching in,
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
We are eager and hopeful to be included among those who will welcome the saints.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: VAN MORRISON, TRADITIONAL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind