O When the Saints go Marching In

This is an apocalyptic (end-time) hymn, which is now regarded as a black spiritual. It uses a number of images from the Book of Revelation.

The song is sometimes used for All Saints Day - although the words don't particularly reflect that feast. The meaning of the original lyrics is quite dark / sinister, so alternative lighter, eg "O when the kids begin to sing" are sometimes added.

The hymn is often attributed as on adapted from a song by American Methodist minister's daughter, seminary graduate and music teacher, Katharine (Kate) Purvis (1842-1909). This song was first published as a hymn in 1896 titled "When the Saints Are Marching In", set to music by James Milton Black. However there are a number of other similar songs from that period, and many of which are likely to have influenced the song. The first located recording of When The Saints Go Marching In was made in 1923 by the Paramount Jubilee Singers.

With meter 8.8.10.7 is is almost-always set to an unnamed tune which is attributed as an Afro-American spiritual - composer unknown. This is often played in jazz-style, and used by marching bands.

Downloads

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Downloadable lead-sheet

Downloadable SATB choir arrangement by John Rutter

PowerPoint slides

Examples

Singer with piano accompaniment

Gospel choir with piano, in-concert

Massed choir with band

Congregation with praise band

Instrumental - brass band

Lyrics

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

And when the moon turns red with blood
And when the moon turns red with blood
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the moon turns red with blood.

And when the revelation comes,
Oh when the revelation comes,
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the revelation comes.

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.

Oh, when the band begins to play,
Oh, when the band begins to play,
Lord, how I want to be in that number
When the band begins to play.

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.