When The Saints Go Marching IN

[Mdenglish]

Hello again :D

The lyrics of this great American traditional song puzzles me.

What might "in" , "by" and "number" refer to in the following sentences. I can guess 'number' refers probably to the song. I did some googling and found a possible explanation for "in", go marching in the Pearly Gates. What about "by"

....when the saints go marching in
....when the saints go marching by
I want to be in that number...

Thank you,

mdenglish :D

[Skrej]

I think you're correct about 'in'. The line is saying that when the saints go marching in (to heaven),

"When the saints go marching by" - Here 'by' means when the saints go marching by me (standing on the side, watching)

" I want to be in that number" - Here 'number' means a host, group, collection, or assembly of people(saints).

In other words, the singer wants to be in the group that's marching in to heaven.
_________________
Plan to be spontaneous tomorrow.
***
Did you hear they arrested the Energizer Bunny on battery charges?
***