Few songs possess the universal recognition and profound cultural duality of "When the Saints Go Marching In." What began as a humble 19th-century Protestant hymn and Black spiritual has evolved into the unofficial, exuberant anthem of New Orleans, inextricably linked to the city's vibrant jazz funerals and the celebratory 'second line' parades. This article, updated for December 10, 2025, dives deep into the complete, traditional lyrics and uncovers the song's enduring legacy, from its spiritual origins to its modern-day resurgence in pop culture and New Orleans’ resilience.

The song is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a powerful message of revelation, redemption, and hope for a better afterlife. Its transformation from a slow, somber funeral dirge to an upbeat, joyous celebration—a staple of the New Orleans Jazz tradition—perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the Crescent City itself: acknowledging sorrow while relentlessly marching toward joy. This is the definitive guide to the song's verses, its history, and the musical entities that keep its spirit alive.

The Complete and Traditional Lyrics: A Call to the Afterlife

The lyrics to "When the Saints Go Marching In" are intentionally fluid, allowing for improvisation and new verses to be added by different artists and congregations over the last century. However, the core message remains a longing to be among the redeemed in heaven—to be "in that number." The most widely accepted version, popularized by Louis Armstrong, is a blend of the spiritual's apocalyptic imagery and a simple, heartfelt plea.

The Universal Chorus

This is the part everyone knows, a powerful declaration of hope and desire for salvation.

• Oh, when the saints 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.

Traditional Verses (Commonly Performed)

These verses paint vivid, biblical pictures of the end of days and the promised glory of heaven, often featuring imagery from the Book of Revelation.

Verse 1: The Sun and Moon

This verse speaks to the celestial signs that will mark the final day.

• Oh, when the sun refuse to shine,
• Oh, when the sun refuse to shine,
• Oh Lord, I want to be in that number,
• When the saints go marching in.

Verse 2: The Trumpet's Call

A reference to the trumpet blast announcing the resurrection and the final judgment.

• Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call,
• Oh, when the trumpet sounds its call,
• Oh Lord, I want to be in that number,
• When the saints go marching in.

Verse 3: The New Jerusalem

A vision of the heavenly city, often referred to as the New Jerusalem, where the redeemed will find rest.

• 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 saints go marching in.

Verse 4: The Heavenly Crown

Focusing on the reward for a faithful life—the crown of glory.

• Oh, when they crown Him King of Kings,
• Oh, when they crown Him King of Kings,
• Oh Lord, I want to be in that number,
• When the saints go marching in.

From Spiritual Hymn to Jazz Standard: The Louis Armstrong Effect

The song's earliest roots trace back to the late 19th century, likely originating as a Black spiritual or a Protestant hymn titled "When the Saints Are Marching In." Like many folk songs and spirituals, its authorship is murky and multi-threaded, but its message was clear: a yearning for the Christian heaven and the glory of All Saints Day.

The New Orleans Transformation

The song became a cornerstone of New Orleans culture through the unique tradition of the Jazz Funeral.

• The Dirge: On the way to the cemetery, a brass band would play the song, and others, at a slow, mournful tempo, reflecting the grief of the mourners.
• The Second Line: After the burial, the band would "cut the body loose" and launch into a fast, syncopated, joyful rendition of "The Saints," symbolizing the deceased's ascent to heaven. This celebratory return parade is known as the Second Line.

The Louis Armstrong Revolution

The song's global fame is almost entirely due to Louis "Pops" Armstrong. In 1939, Armstrong recorded his iconic, upbeat jazz version, transforming the hymn into a dynamic, improvisational standard. Armstrong's interpretation captured the exuberant, resilient spirit of New Orleans and cemented the song's place in the Jazz canon. This recording shifted the song from a regional spiritual to an international sensation, forever linking it to the vibrant sound of the Jazz Age.

The Enduring Cultural Entities and Modern Resurgence

The song’s simplicity and powerful message have allowed it to transcend genre, making it a favorite for artists across rock, pop, and gospel. Its cultural footprint is vast, influencing everything from sports to modern spiritual music.

The Sports Connection: The New Orleans Saints

One of the most famous cultural entities associated with the song is the New Orleans Saints NFL team. The franchise, named in part after the city's unofficial anthem, uses a rendition of "The Saints" as its fight song, played every time the team scores a touchdown. This tradition ensures the song is heard by millions of football fans every season, cementing its status as a symbol of regional pride. Fats Domino's rock-and-roll version is one of the recordings often played at home games.

Modern and Contemporary Covers

While Armstrong’s version remains the most definitive, the song continues to be covered by contemporary artists, ensuring its message remains fresh and relevant. These covers often introduce the song to new generations:

• Lauren Daigle: The Grammy-winning contemporary Christian artist, who hails from Louisiana, has performed her own gospel-tinged version, connecting the song back to its spiritual roots while highlighting its modern, powerful vocal capabilities.
• Doreen Ketchens: Known as "The Clarinet Queen of New Orleans," Ketchens and her band frequently perform the song in the city's historic French Quarter. Her performances are a living testament to the traditional, improvisational brass band style of the song, keeping the authentic Second Line energy alive for tourists and locals alike.
• Bill Haley & His Comets: In a prime example of its versatility, Bill Haley, a pioneer of rock and roll, recorded a version in 1955, further bridging the gap between jazz and the nascent rock genre.

The Deeper Meaning: Redemption and The Beatitudes

At its core, "When the Saints Go Marching In" is a song about the Christian concept of Redemption and the hope of Revelation. The "saints" it refers to are not just canonized figures, but all the faithful who will enter heaven. The song is often discussed in the context of All Saints Day and the Beatitudes (from the Gospel of Matthew), which describe the qualities of those who are truly blessed and will inherit the kingdom of heaven. This theological depth is what gives the simple, repetitive lyrics their enduring emotional power.

Whether you hear it played mournfully by a brass band on a New Orleans street, roaring through a stadium after a touchdown, or sung by a gospel choir, "When the Saints Go Marching In" is an eternal melody. It’s a musical bridge between the earthly struggle of the "weary pilgrim" and the promised glory of heaven, a true masterpiece of American musical history.