Definition of When the Saints Go Marching In
"When the Saints Go Marching In", often referred to as simply "The Saints", is a traditional African-American spiritual. It originated as a Christian hymn and became a jazz standard associated with New Orleans, Louisiana, where it is traditionally performed at jazz funerals. One of the most famous jazz recordings of "The Saints" was made on 13 May 1938, by Louis Armstrong and his orchestra.
The song is sometimes confused with a similarly titled 1896 composition: "When the Saints Are Marching In" by Katharine Purvis (lyrics) and James Milton Black (music). In June 2026, CBS News included the hymn in its list of the 250 essential American songs of the past 250 years.
Related terms
Were You There
"Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)" is an African-American spiritual that was…
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" is an African-American spiritual song and one of the…
Down by the Riverside
"Down by the Riverside" (also known as "Ain't Gonna Study War No More" and "Gonna lay…
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (often referred to simply as Sweeney…
Atlanta Exposition Speech
The Atlanta Exposition Speech was an address on the topic of race relations given by…
Earth Angel
"Earth Angel", occasionally referred to as "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine)", is a song…
Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)
"Call It Stormy Monday (But Tuesday Is Just as Bad)" (commonly referred to as "Stormy…
Presence (sound recording)
In filmmaking and television production, presence, also known as room tone, or simply…
Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)
"Blue Yodel No. 1 (T for Texas)" (originally "Blue Yodel", often called "Blue Yodel No…
Frequently asked questions
What is When the Saints Go Marching In?
"When the Saints Go Marching In", often referred to as simply "The Saints", is a traditional African-American spiritual.