When the Saints Go Marching In
“Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In” is a classic American gospel hymn that has become a staple in folk, jazz, and spiritual music worldwide. It’s often associated with New Orleans jazz and has been covered by countless artists across different genres.
Lyrics (Public Domain Version):
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Oh, when the saints go marching in,
Lord, I want to be in that number,
When the saints go marching in.
Oh, when the sun refuses to shine,
Oh, when the sun refuses to shine,
Lord, I want to be in that number,
When the sun refuses to shine.
Oh, when they crown Him Lord of all,
Oh, when they crown Him Lord of all,
Lord, I want to be in that number,
When they crown Him Lord of all.
This song’s origin traces back to early 20th-century American gospel traditions, combining elements of hope, spiritual anticipation, and communal faith. The imagery of “marching” saints and a brighter afterlife resonates strongly in both religious and secular contexts.
Cultural Context and Evolution
Originally performed in African American churches, it became well-known in the jazz scene, especially in New Orleans, where marching bands and street parades would play it. Over time, it has been adapted for various events, from jazz festivals to sports games, symbolizing triumph, resilience, and unity.
Notable versions, styles, and interpretations of “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In”
Here’s an exploration of notable versions, styles, and interpretations of “Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In” to highlight its versatility and enduring appeal.
Notable Versions
Louis Armstrong (1938)
Armstrong’s jazz rendition is one of the most iconic versions, transforming the hymn into an upbeat jazz classic. His trumpet solos and dynamic vocals capture the spirit of New Orleans jazz, bringing a celebratory and almost party-like feel to the tune.
Mahalia Jackson
Known as the “Queen of Gospel,” Jackson’s version is deeply soulful and maintains the hymn’s gospel roots. Her powerful, emotive voice delivers the song with a sense of spiritual depth and reverence.
The Weavers
This folk group, led by Pete Seeger, took a more traditional and folk approach. Their rendition emphasizes vocal harmonies and acoustic instrumentation, aligning with the folk revival movements of the mid-20th century.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Known for preserving New Orleans jazz traditions, this band performs the song in a classic brass-band style, often heard in parades and street festivals in New Orleans. Their instrumental version showcases brass instruments and an improvisational flair.
Elvis Presley
Elvis gave a gospel-infused rendition, adding his signature vocal style, which is both reverent and soulful. His version brings a mix of gospel, rock, and country influences, demonstrating the song’s adaptability across genres.
Fats Domino
Domino’s take on the song is infused with his signature rhythm and blues style. His piano-driven version has a more laid-back, danceable vibe, capturing the New Orleans R&B scene.
Different Styles and Contexts
- Jazz and Second Line Parades: In New Orleans, “When the Saints Go Marching In” is often played by brass bands in “second line” parades, where mourners celebrate the deceased’s life with music and dancing. The rhythm and upbeat arrangement of the song offer a joyful counterpoint to the solemn occasion.
- Sports Anthems: The song is popular in sports, especially in stadiums where the chorus is chanted or sung by crowds to inspire a sense of unity and victory.
- Gospel and Church Choirs: Churches and choirs often sing a slower, traditional version that underscores the hymn’s spiritual message, reflecting themes of hope and salvation.
Musical Structure
The song typically follows a simple chord progression, usually revolving around the I-IV-V chords, making it accessible for various styles. The melody is repetitive and easy to sing along with, which has helped it endure across generations and contexts.
Sheet Music & Playing Tips
If you’re interested in playing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” search for:
- Basic Sheet Music for piano or guitar, including the main melody and chords.
- Jazz Arrangements for soloists or brass instruments to capture that New Orleans flair.
- Interactive Sheet Music where you can adjust tempo and follow along.
This song’s simplicity and adaptability mean you can approach it in many ways, whether you’re looking to learn it on an instrument, sing along, or even create your own unique cover.
Dances associated with “When the Saints Go Marching In”
“When the Saints Go Marching In” is not tied to any specific folk dance tradition on its own, but it is often associated with New Orleans-style second line dances and parade traditions, which are popular during jazz funerals and street celebrations. Here’s a breakdown of some dance styles and contexts where this song appears:
1. New Orleans Second Line Dance
- Style: The “second line” tradition originates from New Orleans and is a type of street dance where people follow a brass band playing upbeat music, often including songs like “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The “first line” refers to the main procession, such as a funeral or wedding parade, while the “second line” includes people who join in the back to dance and celebrate.
- Movement: Dancers use an improvised style, typically with loose, joyful movements, incorporating spins, hops, and rhythmic stepping. Umbrellas or handkerchiefs are often waved in sync with the beat.
- Instruments: A marching brass band leads the way, with instruments like trumpets, trombones, saxophones, and drums creating a lively, syncopated rhythm.
2. Jazz Funeral March
- Context: In New Orleans, jazz funerals celebrate life rather than only mourning death. The procession often begins with a slow hymn but transitions into upbeat songs like “When the Saints Go Marching In” after leaving the church or gravesite.
- Dance Style: The transition from slow, solemn steps to upbeat, celebratory dance reflects a shift in mood from mourning to celebration. It’s a tradition meant to honor and “send off” the deceased with joy.
- Significance: The upbeat second line dancing after the solemn first line is an embodiment of resilience and the joy of life, deeply rooted in African American traditions.
3. Swing and Lindy Hop Variations
- Although “When the Saints Go Marching In” is primarily associated with jazz and gospel, swing dancers sometimes adapt it into swing dance routines, particularly in jazz-focused festivals or themed events.
- Movement: Swing dancing with this song can involve basic Lindy Hop steps, incorporating spins, kicks, and lifts. The song’s upbeat tempo and syncopated rhythm make it adaptable to swing routines.
4. Modern Interpretations in Festivals
- The song has become part of jazz festivals worldwide, where spectators often join in with their own improvisational moves, from simple clapping and stepping to more stylized jazz and folk dance.
- At events like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, performers and audiences alike participate in loose, spontaneous dances, especially when songs like “When the Saints Go Marching In” are performed.
If you’d like more details on the steps or want to learn more about how to participate in second line dance traditions, let me know in comments! This song’s adaptability has made it a cultural staple in dance traditions centered on community and celebration.
A simple, fun line dance to match the rhythm of “When the Saints Go Marching In”!
Let’s create a simple, fun line dance to match the rhythm of “When the Saints Go Marching In”! This dance will follow the four-count structuretypical in New Orleans-style second-line dancing, with movements that anyone can join in on. Each set of steps will match a line of the lyrics, allowing people to easily follow along to the beat.
Dance Instructions for “When the Saints Go Marching In”
Structure:
- Tempo: Marching or 4/4 rhythm
- Basic Steps: Each step takes one beat, making it easy to keep up with the song’s rhythm.
Movements:
- Verse 1: “Oh, when the saints go marching in”
- Step 1: Step to the right with a small hop, holding a handkerchief or waving your hand in the air.
- Step 2: Step to the left and hop, repeating the hand wave.
- Step 3: Step forward with the right foot, clapping your hands overhead.
- Step 4: Step forward with the left foot, clapping again.
- Verse 2: “Oh, when the sun refuses to shine”
- Step 1: March in place, lifting your knees high to the beat, right, left, right, left.
- Step 2: Take a big step to the right, lifting your right hand to “shield” your eyes from the sun.
- Step 3: Step to the left, repeating the “shielding” gesture with your left hand.
- Step 4: March in place again, keeping your hands at your sides or waving a handkerchief.
- Chorus: “Lord, I want to be in that number”
- Step 1: Take two steps forward, right then left, while raising both hands as if you’re “reaching” to be part of the number.
- Step 2: Take two steps backward, right then left, waving hands downward as if pulling yourself back in line.
- Step 3: Turn to your right in a full circle, taking four steps to complete it.
- Step 4: Clap twice to end the sequence.
- Verse 3: Repeat steps for “Oh, when they crown Him Lord of all”
- For this line, you can freestyle a bit with variations of previous steps or even add a celebratory stomp or shout to emphasize the line’s triumphant feel.
Final “Marching” Section:
- For the final lines, you can repeat all the steps with extra energy, encouraging participants to wave umbrellas or handkerchiefs high and march forward as a group.
Tips:
- Instruments: Add tambourines, shakers, or hand drums to amplify the rhythm.
- Freestyle: In the spirit of second-line dancing, feel free to add spontaneous spins, hops, or claps to match the energy of the music and the crowd.
This line dance captures the essence of New Orleans second-line traditions and allows for both structured steps and a bit of freestyle, making it perfect for beginners and fun for everyone.
❤️🦾🏆🚀 Ihope you enjoyed the dance! Feel free to take this dance to the streets, or share it with friends and family to spread the joy. If you need more dance ideas, song recommendations, or anything else folk-music-related, I’m here to help.
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Multilingual Folk Song Explorer
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