Oh When The Saints

Oh When the Saints is a level 2 performance piece, part number TQP.L2.CLCG.P11.

This piece is used at the start of the level 2 programme and features an anacrusis start and a number of ties. The notes are in an open C position and the piece is in C major. Before playing the piece make sure you practise the C major scale, arpeggio and primary chords.

Download the Music

Oh When the Saints is a spiritual and a Christian hymn although it is often played by Jazz bands and was famously recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1938.

The origins are unclear but the first recorded version was in 1938. Even though the song had folk roots, a number of composers claimed copyright in it in later years, including Luther G. Presley and Virgil Oliver Stamps, R. E. Winsett. The tune is particularly associated with the city of New Orleans. A jazz standard, it has been recorded by many jazz and pop artists. [1]

Lyrics [2]

1 O when the saints go marching in,
 O when the saints go marching in,
 O Lord, I want to be in that number
 when the saints go marching in.
 

2 O when the sun refused to shine,
 O when the sun refused to shine,
 O Lord, I want to be in that number
 when the sun refused to shine.
 

3 O when they crown him Lord of all,
 O when they crown him Lord of all,
 O Lord, I want to be in that number
 when they crown him Lord of all.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_the_Saints_Go_Marching_In

[2] https://hymnary.org/text/o_when_the_saints_go_marching_in