Southampton FC: "When the Saints Go Marching In!"
"I want to be in that number, Oh, when the Saints go marching in!"
Key words
- Choral: relating to music intended to be sung by a choir
Research has linked choral singing with physical and emotional health.
- Saint: the title given to a person who has received an official honor from the Roman Catholic Church for having lived in a holy way (written abbreviation St.)
Mary, also known as St. Mary the Virgin, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Mary, Mary Mother of God or the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be the greatest of all Christian saints.
- Hymn: a song of praise that Christians sing to God
The family sings old songs, many of them hymns.
- Progressing: movement to an improved or more developed state
Construction is progressing well.
- Sing-along: the informal singing of songs by a group of people
She led the crowd in a sing-along of her biggest hit.
Comprehension Questions
- Why are Southampton FC known as The Saints?
- How much did they defeat Manchester United by?
- Where did Southampton FC’s anthem come from?
- How is it sung?
The History of Southampton FC
Southampton FC is a professional football club based in the city of Southampton, on the south coast of England. It originated from St. Mary's Young Men's Association (YMA), which had various sections, including football, cricket, athletics, a gymnasium, a choral society, and an entertainments committee.
The first match played by what is now Southampton Football Club was by a team from St. Mary's YMA on 21 November 1885. The club established itself as a major force in local and regional football before progressing to the national level, winning the FA Cup in 1976 by defeating Manchester United 1–0.
The club has produced many talented players over the years, including Alan Shearer, Gareth Bale, and James Ward-Prowse. It was also one of the founding members of the Premier League in 1992. Due to its connection to St. Mary’s Church, the team is known as "The Saints".
“When the Saints Go Marching In”
Southampton FC’s anthem, "When the Saints Go Marching In," is one of the most famous football chants in England. "When the Saints Go Marching In," often referred to simply as "The Saints," originated as a Christian hymn but is frequently played by jazz bands. One of the most famous jazz recordings of "The Saints" was made on May 13, 1938, by Louis Armstrong and his orchestra.
Louis Armstrong - When The Saints Go Marching In
Southampton fans adopted the song because of their nickname, The Saints. It is sung before every match at St. Mary’s Stadium, and fans often sing it throughout the game to encourage their team. The chant is usually slow and loud, creating a passionate atmosphere in the stadium.
Sing the Chant Like a Southampton Fan
If you ever visit St. Mary’s Stadium, you should join in when the fans sing When the Saints Go Marching In. The lyrics are simple:
"Oh, when the Saints go marching in,
Oh, when the Saints go marching in,
I want to be in that number,
Oh, when the Saints go marching in!"
Fans of Southampton FC sing "When the Saints Go Marching In" using a call and response format, making it an engaging sing-along.
- Call: Oh when the Saints
- Response: Oh when the Saints!
- Call: go marching in
- Response: go marching in!
Oh When The Saints Go Marching In (Fast)
Practice your English with football fans from around the world!
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Have you been to the south coast of England?
- What else do you know about Southampton?
- Do you know any other famous hymns?
- What is your favourite anthem?
This article was written by Eddy
Improve your English communication skills by practicing with Eddy, a qualified and experienced native speaker.
