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
Honey Pie
Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
North of England way
Now she's hit the big time
In the U.S.A.
And if she could only hear me
This is what I'd say.
Honey pie, you are making me crazy
So won't you please come home.
Oh honey pie, my position is tragic
Come and show me the magic
Of your Hollywood song.
You became a legend of the silver screen
And now the thought of meeting you
Makes me weak in the knee.
Oh honey pie, you are driving me frantic
Sail across the Atlantic
To be where you belong.
Will the wind that blew her boat
Across the sea
Kindly send her sailing back to me.
Honey pie, you are making me crazy
I'm in love but I'm lazy
So won't you please come home.
The Golden Gate Quartet's "Honey Pie" is a song about a North of England working girl turned Hollywood star. The singer is expressing his love for her and his desire for her to come back home. He is enamored with her success and her legendary status in Hollywood but also feels a sense of longing and loneliness without her. The lyrics convey a mix of admiration, yearning, and desperation for the subject of the song.
The repetition of "Honey Pie" throughout the chorus conveys a sense of familiarity and affection. The singer is using a term of endearment to address the woman he loves. He acknowledges that he is lazy in his love for her but still wants her to come home.
The line "Come and show me the magic of your Hollywood song" is particularly significant as it highlights the glamour and allure of Hollywood. It speaks to the idea that Hollywood is a place where dreams come true, and anyone with enough talent and hard work can make it big. The song also touches on the idea of cultural exchange between the North of England and the United States, as the woman has traveled across the Atlantic to find success.
Line by Line Meaning
She was a working girl
She used to work for a living
North of England way
In the northern part of England where she lived
Now she's hit the big time
She's become successful in a big way
In the U.S.A.
In the United States of America
And if she could only hear me
If she could only listen to me
This is what I'd say.
Here's what I would tell her
Honey pie, you are making me crazy
My dear, you're making me lose control
I'm in love but I'm lazy
I'm in love with you, but I don't want to put in any effort
So won't you please come home.
Please come back to me, my love
Oh honey pie, my position is tragic
My situation is dire, my dear
Come and show me the magic
Come and amaze me with your talent
Of your Hollywood song.
With the music and performances from Hollywood
You became a legend of the silver screen
You've become an iconic movie star
And now the thought of meeting you
And now the idea of getting to know you in person
Makes me weak in the knee.
Makes me feel faint, my dear
Oh honey pie, you are driving me frantic
You're making me go crazy, my dear
Sail across the Atlantic
Travel across the ocean
To be where you belong.
To be where you rightfully should be
Will the wind that blew her boat
Will the wind that took her away
Across the sea
Across the ocean
Kindly send her sailing back to me.
Bring her back to me, please
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN LENNON, JOHN WINSTON LENNON, PAUL MCCARTNEY, PAUL JAMES MCCARTNEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind