“When The Saints Go Marching In”

This tune is one we often play in our performances. It is usually considered a traditional song having no documented composer and is not found in printed hymn books. These names were associated with it in the earliest known published music. In 1923 the composers were noted to be Katherine E. Purvis for the lyrics and James Milton Black for the music.

“When the Saints Go Marching In” is a joyous song about aspiring to enter heaven, wanting to be part of “that number.” Done in the dixieland style, it lifts the spirits.

Representative lyrics, per the website hymnary.org:

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

O when the sun refused to shine,
O when the sun refused to shine,
Lord, I want to be in that number
when the sun refused to shine.

O when they gather ’round the throne,
O when they gather ’round the throne,
Lord, I want to be in that number
when they gather ’round the throne.

O when they crown Him Lord of all,
O when they crown Him Lord of all,
Lord, I want to be in that number
when they crown Him Lord of all.

And on that hallelujah day,
And on that hallelujah day,
Lord, I want to be in that number
on that hallelujah day.

---

“To God be the glory.”