In 1961 she participated in BBC TV's A Song for Europe Contest, the UK qualifying heat for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry, "I Will Light a Candle" was placed fourth. Lale Andersen, who recorded the original German version of "Lili Marleen" also entered the 1961 Eurovision Song Contest, although her song only made it to #13. Anne made another attempt at Eurovision in 1963 with "My Continental Love" - and came fourth again.
She also sang and acted in several motion pictures.
In 1990 she was awarded the OBE for her work with the "Not Forgotten Association", a charitable organization for disabled former service personnel from all wars. Anne Shelton died in Hurstmonceux, England in 1994 and was interred in the Brenchley Gardens cemetery in South East London.
Coming In On A Wing Or A Prayer
Anne Shelton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
With our one motor gone
We can still carry on
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
What a show, what a fight
Boys, we really hit our target for tonight
Look below, there's our field over there
With our one motor gone
We can still carry on
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
With our full crew on board
And our trust in the Lord
We're comin' in on a wing and a prayer
The song "Comin' in on a Wing and a Prayer" by Anne Shelton was written in 1943 during the Second World War. The lyrics describe a group of pilots who have just completed a mission and are returning home in one heavily damaged aircraft, with only one functioning engine. The pilot informs the crew that they will have to risk all they have and rely on their faith in the Lord to make a safe landing. The song serves as a tribute to the bravery and determination of the forces who fought in the war, who endured sometimes insurmountable challenges and relied on their faith to get them through. It also represents the resilience of the human spirit, who despite overwhelming odds, are able to push on and find a way to make it home.
The lyrics evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and patriotism, as they highlight the determination and courage of the military pilots. You can hear the pride that Shelton takes in singing these lyrics as she pays homage to the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers. The reference to "coming in on a wing and a prayer" became a common expression at that time and is still used today to describe a situation where someone is taking a high-risk chance, relying largely on fate or luck.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are approaching our destination with very little chance of surviving.
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are arriving at our destination with last-minute hopes and minimal resources.
With our one motor gone
One of our airplane's engines is not working.
We can still carry on
Despite the loss of one of our airplane's engines, we are continuing to move forward.
What a show, what a fight
What a spectacle and struggle it has been.
Boys, we really hit our target for tonight
Good job, men. We managed to hit the intended target for the evening.
How we sing as we limp through the air
Despite our dire situation, we still maintain a sense of humor and hope.
Look below, there's our field over there
We're looking down and have spotted our desired landing spot.
With our full crew on board
We have everyone on board the aircraft.
And our trust in the Lord
We have faith that everything will turn out okay because of our belief in a higher power.
We're comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are going to attempt a landing with very little hope of success.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ADAMSON, JIMMY MC HUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@edward6960
What a beautiful Lady she was and a wonderful singer!
@viyhexe131
Venerate the engineers of the B-17, for their work was nothing short of divinely inspired! Through prayer and genius, so many crews were granted safety and victory!
Ave Fectum!
Ave Machina!
Amen
@dogman9223
You find kin in odd places
@brunsi63
my mom was born in 1942 and sang this when she was very small. She was singing this a couple of weeks ago but she couldn't remember the lyrics, thanks for posting!
@andriikolesnyk279
My grandfather was a Soviet pilot. 4 times wounded, on inefficient airplanes he was surely efficient. And finally, we won.
@B3trayedUK
Childhood memories of my mum singing this to me, she was a WAFF based in London during the blitz.
@user-yf8rx9lq8b
Incredibly cool.
@julistarling8382
Good. 😍😊😍😊
@SouthernIowaLady
Discovered this song among my grandfather's nickel-sheet music. One very dear piece.
@julistarling8382
Her version of this is very, very good.
This is close to how I would sing it if I could.
Wow. 😍
Thanks for posting. 😍😊😍