The song "When The Saints" by Sara Groves speaks about carrying burdens, finding strength in faith, and being inspired by the examples of others who have lived faithful lives. The lyrics begin by acknowledging the heavy burden that the singer carries, the weight of all they have witnessed and experienced. Despite feeling overwhelmed, they find solace in God's word, which burns within them like a fire. This fire cannot be extinguished, and the singer cannot let go of the message they have received. When the singer feels weary and exhausted, with battles still left unfought, they think of biblical figures Paul and Silas, who were imprisoned but still found the strength to sing songs of freedom. This image of their resilience and unwavering faith inspires the singer. The chorus mentions the famous hymn "When the Saints Go Marching In," expressing the desire to be counted among those faithful followers. It is a longing to be part of the community of saints who have gone before, persevering in their faith and leaving a legacy of courage and devotion. The song goes on to mention other significant examples of faith throughout history, such as Moses leading his people out of slavery, the Underground Railroad helping slaves to freedom, missionaries sharing the gospel despite intense opposition, and individuals standing up against injustice and oppression. Each verse and its respective examples paint a picture of different moments in history where people exhibited great faith and bravery. The song invites the listener to reflect on these stories and to be inspired by the spiritual strength displayed by those who have come before. Overall, the song encourages the listener to find strength in their faith, to persevere in the face of adversity, and to seek to be counted among the saints who have left a lasting impact on the world through their unwavering devotion.
