When The Saints Go Marching In
Wingy Manone And His Orchestra Lyrics

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Sisters and brothers
This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
My text this evenin's "When The Saints Go Marching In"
Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!

O when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)

Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

Blow it, brother Holmes!

Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Go marching in (marching in)
Oh, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)

Yes, I want to be in that number
When the Saints go marching in

Overall Meaning

The song When The Saints Go Marching In is a timeless classic that has been recorded by countless artists and musical groups. In Wingy Manone And His Orchestra's version, Reverend Satchmo (Louis Armstrong) delivers a "mellow sermon" to his "sisters and brothers." He proceeds to introduce various members of the choir, including brother Higginbotham on trombone and brother Holmes on another instrument. The lyrics proclaim the desire to be among the number of the Saints when they come marching in.

The song's origin is steeped in religious history, as it was originally a gospel hymn that dates back to the early 1900s. It is believed to have been inspired by the biblical passage from the book of Revelation that speaks of a great multitude of saints that no one could count. Over time, the lyrics have been modified and adapted by various artists and musicians to fit different styles and genres. Despite the evolution of the song, the central message of longing to be among the Saints remains a constant theme.

Line by Line Meaning

Sisters and brothers
Attention everyone

This is reverend Satchmo gettin' ready to beat out this mellow sermon for you
I am Louis Armstrong and I am about to perform a relaxing song for you

My text this evenin's 'When The Saints Go Marching In'
The song I am about to sing is called 'When The Saints Go Marching In'

Here come brother Higginbotham down the aisle with his trombone, blow it, boy!
Now let's hear from Higginbotham and his trombone!

O when the Saints (when the saints)
Oh when those holy people

Go marching in (marching in)
Arrive in a parade

Now, when the Saints go marching in (marching in)
Currently they are not here, but when they come in a parade

Yes, I want to be in that number
I want to join them in the parade

When the Saints go marching in
When those holy people arrive in a parade

Blow it, brother Holmes!
Now it's time for Holmes to play his instrument!

Now when the Saints (when the saints)
Right now, those holy people