The makeup of the group changed over the years, as some members were drafted during the war and new members were brought in to replace those who had retired or left to join other groups. William Langford joined the group when Griffin left in 1935 and Orlandus Wilson replaced Ford the same year. Clyde Riddick replaced Langford in 1938, Johnson left in 1948 to join "The Jubalaires" and Owens left the group later to become a preacher and solo artist. Riddick remained with the group until his retirement in 1995 and Wilson until his death in 1998.
The Gates had a broad repertoire of styles--from Owens' mournful, understated approach in songs such as Anyhow or Hush, Somebody's Calling My Name, to the group's highly syncopated arrangements in Shadrach, Meshach and Abendigo. Like The Mills Brothers of popular music, they would often include vocal special effects in their songs, imitating train sounds in songs such as Golden Gate Gospel Train. Langford often sang lead, using his ability to range from baritone to falsetto, while Johnson narrated in a hip syncopated style that became the hallmark for the group. Wilson's bass served as the anchor for the group and Owens harmonized with Langford and Johnson.
They achieved regional fame through their radio program in Columbia, South Carolina in the 1930s. They became nationally popular after John Hammond presented them as part of the 1938 extravaganza From Spirituals to Swing in Carnegie Hall, which led to a nationwide radio program, appearances at Cafe Society in 1940 and the opportunity to sing at Franklin Delano Roosevelt's inauguration in 1941, becoming the first black musical group to sing at Constitution Hall. They continued to be popular during World War Two, making several appearances in Hollywood films and singing secular music, including some unique popular front songs such as Stalin Wasn't Stalling that mixed humor with political commentary.
The quartet lost their preeminent position in gospel music after the war, when they faced competition from the newer hard gospel quartets. They continued in their old style, offering sharper political commentary in songs such as God's Gonna Cut 'Em Down, but losing much of their audience to quartets such as the Dixie Hummingbirds and the Soul Stirrers. The Golden Gates revived their career in 1955, however, when they toured Europe for the first time, where they became widely popular. The group moved to Paris in 1959 and has continued touring, primarily in Europe, since then. During his stint in the US Army, in Germany, Elvis Presley, who a huge admirer of their work since his early childhood, visited them backstage at "Le Lido", in Paris, and stayed to watch their entire show, staying also with them at the hotel "Prince de Galles".
The Golden Gate Quartet has been inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1998
Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer
Golden Gate Quartet 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 the Golden Gate Quartet is a powerful and uplifting song about a group of soldiers who are fighting in World War II. The song describes a scenario where an airplane's one motor is gone, but the crew is determined to carry on and reach their destination safely. The lyrics highlight the courage, strength, and faith of the soldiers as they face adversity and challenges during the war.
The song starts with the repetition of the title phrase "Comin' in on a wing and a prayer" which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The reference to a "wing and a prayer" is an idiom that means to accomplish something by relying on hope and faith rather than skill or resources. The lyrics then describe the situation where the airplane has lost one of its motors, but despite this setback, the crew remains determined to reach their target for the night. The soldiers sing together as they "limp through the air," a testament to their camaraderie in the face of danger. The lyrics also mention the soldiers' trust in God, and how they are relying on His guidance to bring them safely to their destination.
Overall, "Comin' In On A Wing And A Prayer" is a powerful song that celebrates the bravery, resilience, and faith of the soldiers who fought in World War II. The lyrics serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for their country, and the importance of hope, determination, and faith in times of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are coming in with little hope and barely any means to do so
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Our chances of success are slim
With our one motor gone
We have lost one of our engines
We can still carry on
Even with the loss of our engine, we will still fight and continue forward
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are still attempting to make it through by any means possible
What a show, what a fight
Despite our struggles, we have persevered and are putting on an impressive display
Boys, we really hit our target for tonight
Our team has successfully accomplished our mission for tonight
How we sing as we limp through the air
Despite the danger we are facing, we are singing and taking it all in stride
Look below, there's our field over there
We have finally reached our destination
With our one motor gone
We have lost one of our engines
We can still carry on
Even with the loss of our engine, we will still fight and continue forward
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are still attempting to make it through by any means possible
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Our belief in faith and divine intervention is our only hope
With our full crew on board
Our entire team is still intact and fighting together
And our trust in the Lord
We have faith and trust that we will make it through with the help of a higher power
We're comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Despite everything, we are still determined to make it through no matter the cost
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ADAMSON, JIMMY MC HUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind