When the Saints Go Marching In ✧
Five low notes and long holds introduce a well-known spiritual.
Sheet music
Tap a staff note or finger tab to hear it.
One chorus
D whistle · D major · 4/4 · 120 BPM · + upper octave
One chorus
Lyrics
Traditional African American spiritual
A traditional five-verse singing version. Other verses are often added.
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.
About this tune
When the Saints Go Marching In is a traditional American spiritual that is also widely played as a march. The words imagine joining a joyful procession.
The melody grows from a short, rising opening into a broad refrain. Its clear pulse and recurring phrases lend themselves to both communal singing and instrumental performance.
Performances
Watch musicians play this tune on tin whistle. Keys and arrangements may differ from the tabs above.
When the Saints Go Marching In — tin whistle
The D Whistle
A short solo tin whistle performance of the familiar melody.
Watch on YouTube — When the Saints Go Marching In — tin whistle by The D Whistle (opens in a new tab) ↗