Crying In The Chapel
Orioles The Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

You saw me crying in the chapel
The tears I shed were tears of joy
I know the meaning of contentment
I am happy with the Lord

Just a plain and simple chapel
Where all good people go to pray
I prayed the Lord that I'll grow stronger

As I live from day to day

I searched and I searched but I couldn't find
No way on earth to find peace of mind

Now I'm happy in the chapel
Where people are of one accord
Yes, we gather in the chapel
Just to sing and praise the Lord

You'll search and you'll search but you'll never find
No way on earth to find peace of mind

Take your troubles to the chapel
Get down on your knees and pray

Then your burdens will be lighter
And you'll surely find a way

Overall Meaning

In Orioles The's song, "Crying in the Chapel," the lyrics tell a story of a person who feels a sense of contentment and joy through their faith in God. The song speaks to the power of prayer and finding solace in a place of worship. The opening lines, "You saw me crying in the chapel, / The tears I shed were tears of joy," set the tone for the rest of the song. It is clear that the tears shed are not those of sadness or despair, but of happiness and gratitude.

The singer expresses their understanding of the true meaning of contentment, which they have found through their faith. They seek strength from the Lord to live their life day by day. The chapel in which they pray is described as plain and simple, but it is a place where good people gather to sing and praise the Lord. The final lines of the chorus urge listeners to take their troubles to the chapel, to pray and to take comfort in the knowledge that their burdens will be lifted and they will find a way.

Line by Line Meaning

You saw me crying in the chapel
Someone witnessed me crying inside the chapel

The tears I shed were tears of joy
Contrary to how it may have appeared, I cried tears of happiness

I know the meaning of contentment
I have realized what it truly means to be satisfied

I am happy with the Lord
My happiness comes from my faith in God

Just a plain and simple chapel
The chapel is modest and unadorned

Where all good people go to pray
The chapel is a gathering place for virtuous individuals to worship together

I prayed the Lord that I'll grow stronger
I made a request to God for the strength to persevere

As I live from day to day
Each moment of my life is a continuous, daily challenge

I searched and I searched but I couldn't find
Despite my efforts, I was unable to discover

No way on earth to find peace of mind
I could not find a method on this earth to achieve inner tranquility

Now I'm happy in the chapel
Currently, my joy is derived from my involvement with the chapel

Where people are of one accord
Everyone is in agreement with one another in the chapel

Yes, we gather in the chapel
Indeed, we come together within the chapel

Just to sing and praise the Lord
Our purpose for assembling is to provide adoration and make music for God

You'll search and you'll search but you'll never find
You will tirelessly look but it will be impossible to discover

No way on earth to find peace of mind
There is not any method on this planet to find inner peace

Take your troubles to the chapel
Bring your difficulties and hardships to the chapel

Get down on your knees and pray
Kneel down to pray

Then your burdens will be lighter
As a result, your responsibilities will become more manageable

And you'll surely find a way
You will definitely find a solution

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Artie Glenn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@littlerockguy

2y↑29

This is the definitive version I always go back to to listen to this song. So beautiful and therapeutic. Just listening to the song will give you brief peace of mind 😌

@stephenmanning9088

YES MAN DA LATE

@lboogy85

5y↑30

I love this version because while others sing the same words, you can feel the Lord on this.

@andrewjohnson2465

Amen!

@Keranu

42w↑1

Doowop singers back then had otherworldly vocals. I don't know how such talent has mostly been long forgotten.

@doreenachtymichuk7909

6y↑119

ok, i'm generations too young to truly appreciate this, but I am a classically trained musician, and I loved this piece. it wasn't rushed, the vocals were smooth and almost ... hushed. absolutely beautiful. like a lullaby .

@ntnrocket1

5y↑6

Does that mean you are also generations too young to appreciate Mozart??? Just wondering.

@hultonclint

Thanks for your Classically Trained Seal of Approval.

@johnharr9707

Doreen Achtymichuk , it's absolutely right on and beautiful!!!

@ihunterx59

4y↑2

So you are Classically trained to appreciate it while i musically uneducated find the doo wop era great ?

@monicabella7894

What has age with true appreciation to do with?

2 More Replies...

@bobwyld7050

4y↑80

This record lifts you right up into the clouds and into heaven itself..Sonny sings with the angels..this perfect song should be played every day to heal the hurt of the hearts in the country today..Love is in this recording we were blessed to have lived and listened when it first was released..I still have the 45.. I still Believe ...God Bless us all..thank you Sonny Til and the Orioles..

@fargeeks

3y↑9

Im starting to think that Elvis Presley did cover song's

@michellemoffett9458

2y↑1

Bob, I couldn't agree more! This song makes me cry tears of joy and brings me closer to God. His voice is amazing it reminds me of Nat King Cole in many ways. Voice of an Angel indeed!

@trinidadapodaca7027

2y↑2

does this better than elvis
im a fan of all music still dis covering hidden gems

@busterb11702

2y↑1

Amen brother! Well stated.

@henrynash2361

2y↑1

Amen bob

6 More Replies...

@TxRedCoyote

8y↑224

I'm 17 now and the doo wop era will never get old ❤️

@kruton833

7y↑6

Same bro

@raeburton6261

7y↑2

Tristan Bowens '

@briannavitullo6283

6y↑4

Tristan Bowens exactly

@briannavitullo6283

6y↑1

Tristan Bowens

Couldn't be anymore true

@barbarabowman3328

5y↑1

Tristan Bowens; Bring it back, baby. :)

8 More Replies...

@viciousLUA

3y↑7

I love this kind of music. Its so nostalgic and it feels like a simpler time. I wish people were still out on the streets harmonizing, ahh that would be amazing

@andrewjohnson2465

4y↑33

I love 60s-80s music...but this may well be the most beautiful song I’ve ever heard.

@michellemoffett9458

I definitely think you are right!

@Michael-wo2pz

No doubt you are right

@edwardschlein7913

8y↑63

This song still makes my heart glow. I was 14 when I first heard it. Thank God we can still access our music.

@aforwood1

8y↑9

I agree. I was the same age and this was and is a lovely song.

@kikibalt

7y↑8

I too remember when this song came out - I was 17 years old in 1953

@pabloperez4063

4y↑1

I heard It ThE First time in 1978-79, when my (silly) brother bought American Grafitty álbum....And for me, being 12 years old, It sounded super slow And weird because It did not have "instruments" ...but i remember I liked It on a funny way.
I think i havent Heard It for more than 30 years, until today (53 now), And It has carried me away and I bless God for being so Lucky to keep on musicing

@tacogillespie4561

8y↑32

What a clean, clear voice Sonny Til had, just magniificent

@stephensantangelo5106

5y↑5

sonny till is number one in my book, im 75 now. can argue that Rudy West orthe FLAMINGOS LEAD or willie winfield isa number one but 2 me its SONNY Till.

@jjsteel43

40w

Sonny had an amazing voice and his voice touches my soul

@tythorne7582

2y↑4

Sonny broke hearts with that beautiful song. The harmony was outstanding. I miss that type music.
im 82 now was raised with music like that. loved to get in the hallways with friends and harmonize. Beautiful
music at that time.

@jeremywhistler2850

Probably did the opposite, probably healed/saved hearts, but it is a wonderful song.

@jjsteel43

40w

For me, whoever listens to his voice, how can they not feel Sonny's voice go through their souls? He had an amazing voice

@frettfrenzzey

9y↑9

So southing to the ears, heart & soul! Fabulous singers in the 50's & 60's! So blessed to hear this tune once again. What a slow dance this was! Oh Lord!

@thomastramontano1328

5y↑23

A time when groups tried to put real meanings and feelings into their music.that why these songs live on today.They still sound great.

@jacktolkien5685

3y↑3

Amazing group! Amazing falsetto by sonny! They don’t make music like this anymore that’s for sure! What an amazing group

@wallyburian1508

2y↑3

I grew up listening to the Orioles and other Doo Wop Groups. They started the era and it's never been better. I just love it.

@acrucker

6y↑24

Another Masterpiece for future generations to enjoy! Thank you, Orioles!

@a.jameswhitmoreiiimdmph8415

10y↑158

one of the best harmonies in them days. this is my grandfathers group. his name is Tommy Gaither(guitar). my father is named Thomas Gaither, i have a brother named Tahmar Gaither and i am Theldon Gaither. we each have musical gifts as well. nuff respect to The Orioles...

@eunicetulimieri1399

9y↑4

Wow....I Remember When Your Grandfather Was Killed In An Auto Accident.

@roberttaylor1326

5y↑8

OK, if you are "Theldon Gaither," then why is the name you post under James Whitmore III?

@debbw6306

4y↑1

Thank you for sharing.

@genereed8119

2y↑2

and I am Gene Reed, Johnny Reed's (Bassist) nephew, your grandfather was my friend, I use to sit in his lap when he came over to our house for rehersal, he was one of the nicest guys you ever wanted to meet. I remember thee accident, I remember visiting his house on Edmonson Avenue and I remember him playing with me, I was 8 years old when I first met your grandfather.

@TheTrollMastah

@Gene Reed What accident?

4 More Replies...

@marynugent3482

2y↑3

What a blessing to be able to listen to this exquisite music both then and now.

@trucking604

42w↑2

Sonny Til and the Orioles at their best! Nobody does this song better than him!

@ElvisThunders

10y↑39

Such a beautiful song, such strength and power it contains.

@jjsteel43

40w

I love Sonny's voice and his voice touches my soul. I cannot listen to this without hearing and feeling his voice go through my soul

@stevoschannel4127

4y↑4

One of, if not the most beautiful doo wop tune ever recorded...there wont be any more.

@cozycool3505

6y↑3

This is my hometown vocal group singing this song back in 1952 but released in 1953. The city Of Baltimore Md still remembers and loves Sonny Til & the Orioles , such a great voice , pitch , rhythmic harmonizing by the backup singers also.....from Baltimore with love 2018 💜❤💛 !

@heft1983

8y↑268

The black groups of the 50's, 60's and 70's were unbelievable. Such wonderful soul music. I'm not a fan of hip hop or rap, but I do love me some old school soul and funk.

@manfredmeyer2169

8y↑11

no soul or funk gospel man

@raypowell2076

7y↑2

heft1983 night

@50sarebackhoney

6y↑13

It ain't soul or funk man this is do-woop

@edreebenaker5094

6y↑2

heft1983 well don't leave out the white people okay it wasn't just the black people still white people to remember that

@326ka8

6y↑4

they did the same thing to black jazz musicians in the 30s and 40s.loius Armstrong and duke ellington.

19 More Replies...

@jimmyboswell2617

5y↑12

I grew up in the 50's and we called this Rock & Roll. Doo-Wop was a term someone came up with much later. Rock & Roll will never die.

@pabloperez4063

4y↑1

A M E N !!!

@vitosanto3874

3y↑3

It was Disc Jockey Jocko Henderson that came up with the phrase doo wop,because as a song was being played he would interject “ Doo Wop” at certain times. I think the station was WLIB It was in New York and would come on 10 o’clock he played all the Best Black Groups.

@theoldmole

2y↑2

@Vito Santo Jocko, your ace from outer space -- I'm back on the scene with my flying machine, saying Oo-poppa-doo and how do you do!

@vitosanto3874

2y↑1

@Tad Richards you must have listened to Jocko Henderson in the mid 1950s He was on WLIB He came on at 10 P.M opened the show with “ Hey this is the Jock and I’m back on the scene with my record machine saying Op Pop Ado and how do you do.he would quasi sing along with the groups interjecting “ Doo Wop, Do Wop “ Discovered some great groups that wouldn’t normally heard on the local stations. We were young and that was our time.

@theoldmole

2y↑1

@Vito Santo I did. Those were the years. Rock and roll was brand new, and we were there for it. I lived upstate, so Jocko was hard to get on my AM radio, and so was Tommy "Dr. Jive" Smalls, but I got them when I could. They played the real stuff.

3 More Replies...

@josephkane4753

7y↑5

This song is just so beautiful and I do Love Elvis's Own Version from 1965 but this is the best and is the finest version by far

@papercarving9040

46w

Elvis recorded it in 1960 but the song was released in 1965.

@kitspics526

3y↑9

Been decades and decades since I’ve heard this or even recalled it. So happy to rediscover this spiritual.

@jddobroskymd2430

7y↑2

One incredible voice that I never get tired of hearing

@n40tom

5y↑12

I did not realize this came out in 1953 as it was still very popular in late 50s . I never failed to get on the Dance Floor when this record was spinning .

@busterducke4898

Love slow dance with my girl.. Whisper in her ear..

@danielsmallbone1163

4y↑7

This song makes me really happy! Truly uplifting

@ternitamas

6y↑11

the music from the 50 is so soothing and evocative, loving those backing harmonies!!

@cherish9493

2y↑2

This is such a beautiful song and sung superbly by this group. I listened to this song as a kid. My Dad had a huge record collection and it was very nice to just sit in silence and listen to heavenly music like this.

@jimrandall1715

9y↑19

I have always loved this song. Takes my back to the good old days!!

@knockshinnoch1950

6y↑18

The roots of modern pop music an amazing record with awesome vocals

@AndreaElizabeth100

4y↑4

Great voices how they blend together. Emotional song.

@orlandooliveira1784

3y↑2

Magnífico! Uma canção e uma intervenção maravilhosa!

@prestonbarnes1796

7y↑9

50's group harmonies were awesome,the leads,OUTSTANDING.

@mrooster721

10y↑20

A beautiful song by a great vocal group.

@Mendy7952

8y↑5

This moving Doo Wop ballad is very avante garde for1953! Such rich vocal arrangements too. I Just love this record and I am a classical musician!

@cozycool3505

6y↑1

Mendy7952 - these American black people dominated and created this 10 years before you people knew it existed , but thanks .

@josephkane8103

6y↑10

Another timeless Classic Hit single from Sonny Til & The Orioles from 1953

@davidweiner5468

7y↑9

One of the pioneers of Doo-Wop what a sound

@arnoldflowers8686

3y↑3

This is one of the groups that introduced modern music❤

@aforwood1

10y↑38

This is a great song by a great group. This is back in "my day" when music sounded like music.

@lilymarie4030

9y↑5

Agreed! "My day" also.

@ruthbrafford3349

6y↑2

One of the best.

@ellenpearljackson5219

5y↑5

this was my brother's favorite group of all time and I can understand why these gentlemen could harmonize out of this world and they weren't afraid to mention God so beautiful

@Johanna-xy9py

4y↑6

Beautiful Timeless Classic ♥️✝️🙏🏼

@biancabagnolet5948

5y↑8

c'est toujours aussi mimi c'est tellement géniale c'est magnifique j'adore 👍

@shannonwhite3721

4y↑3

Woe I've only heard Elvis sing this. These fellas are soothing❤❤ Thank you for the new experience

@lorrainejohnson9376

7y↑1

My older brother Nick bought this record and brought it home to play. I was just a "Young Head" but I couldn't help listening to and enjoying Mr. Sonny Til and his Orioles. Still love the sound. Sonny's gone, brother Nick is gone, but they remain in my heart.

@AlTheRelic

3y↑3

The Orioles, Elvis & Sissel were my personal 3 favorite performers of Crying in the chapel.

@raulmacias1311

3y↑2

This is the definitive version of this classic Gospel!

@kennykirschner2175

5y↑3

Thanks for all the info about this"legendary group" Of course this song makes my greatest doo wops of all time list. Appreciate the release date

@shellyreiter5423

9y↑44

Words can not express the valuable vocals this singer Sonny Til ( Earl Tighman) and the Orioles brought to the world of music.l

@vmitodd

Words can.

@snoopdavidniven1191

8y↑227

It's high time for America to stop being afraid of that deadly term "doo-wop", and learn to embrace this constantly-overlooked and ignored style of music. Which is wonderful!

@EmpressOfWyoming58

8y↑21

People who were around then love doo wop. It's the music of my babyhood and early childhood. I love it. It makes me feel secure and warm.

@njacapelladoowopenthusiast8449

8y↑7

+EmpressOfWyoming58 I'm 46 y.o. my old man was my main influence and of course NYC radio when it was good!

@EmpressOfWyoming58

8y↑14

Nj acapella doowop enthusiasts Since the very end of the 90s, record companies figured out that people will listen to and pay for computer arranged, auto tuned, cookie cutter melody and lyrics. They don't have to pay session musicians and back up singers or have ultra talented singers and groups anymore. A lot of kids today don't listen to anything but current Happy Meal music. It's terribly sad. But the good news is, there are so many young people combing you tube and discovering great classic rock, r and b, soul, motown, funk, bubble gum, disco and yes some love doo wop! I love it when I come across the appreciative comments from younger people. I'm not saying there aren't good current singers and bands, but they don't get radio airplay, except on Indy stations and we have to find them on late night talk shows or when their music is used in movies, tv commercials, etc. Or just come across it on you tube.

@clydedahler9572

7y↑7

As they say in New Orleans "Ya You Right" doo wop is da best

@AlTheRelic

7y↑8

I'm 32 and actually went to see Little Anthony and the Impressions. Long live Soul & Doo Wop.

10 More Replies...

@robinleelongo

2y↑2

I absolutely love this song, until recent years , only knew Elvis’ version. Beautiful.

@josephkane3215

6y↑1

Another timeless Classic hit single from 1953 as it is by Sonny Til & The Orioles as they did Crying In The Chapel as Elvis Presley also did this song some 12 years later as he took in to the Top of the UK singles chart for 3 weeks

@marcelof7645

3y↑2

que lindo tema...llega al corazon ¡¡

@michellemoffett9458

2y↑4

My neighbor kept playing this song in her upstairs apartment. I loved the melody I had no idea what it was so I used my tablet to search the song by the melody. I played this song and my mom remembers it well. I just love this! They don't make songs like this anymore!

@fernandomaron87

I wish i could be friends with your neighbor lol

@bobster25

9y↑115

99% of the time I prefer an Elvis Presley version of any song. This version by the Orioles is absolutely incredible. Truly moving!!

@MellieViews

8y↑15

+bobster25 This original* version by the Orioles.

@bobster25

8y↑2

+MellieViews Actually, no https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crying_In_The_Chapel

@ginazzz13

7y↑5

I prefer the Bob Marley version personally !

@GebreMenfesKidus

Yes! I was wondering if Bob got his song from this one.

@cozycool3505

6y↑9

bobster25 - Elvis version can't touch this original !

13 More Replies...

@raymondcannon4566

10y↑17

Great stuff. I remember these songs so well.

@ralphmammah6220

2y↑1

Big thanks to George Lucas and his masterpiece, American Graffiti, for introducing me to great songs like this. Not that I was unfamiliar with 50s music. But that movie made me really listen for the first time.

@mbsunlimited

6y↑2

What a voice. What a voice!! So nice I had to say it twice!

@briansmith6515

5y↑2

Greatest version EVER....👨‍❤️‍👨

@wendyreingold3477

6y↑6

Sonny Til And The Orioles version of this classic song is the GREATEST version according to me and many others !

@jjsteel43

40w

Yes, everyone should be able to hear and feel Sonny's voice in their soul. I sure do

@jjsteel43

40w

Sonny's voice is the most touching to me of all who have sang this song. I can feel his voice through my soul

@rocknroller4488

5y↑4

Fantastic doo wop. Sunny Till was one of the first superstars of the 50s.

@ornelas56

9y↑4

Nossa que coisa linda, parabéns...

@cookieceo3938

8y↑6

Beautiful!!!! One of my favorites. The music of my teens. "doo-wop" Great music

@vpe2007

Beautiful and timeless rendition

@allaboard70

8y↑19

The very first R&B song at Top 20 on the pop chart !!

@cozycool3505

allaboard70 - I think 'GEE' by the Crows or 'Rocket 8u' by One Turner was the first two back in 1952 , this came out in 1953 !??

@patrickmusat4763

4y↑1

This melody is embracing my soul, just like a sweet summer breeze...

@DainGerrUsss

9y↑2

I LOVE this song SO much. It is my birthday song, as I was born in 1953.

@raouldiblasi5970

9y↑33

Brought a tear (of joy) to my eye!

@williamwitter7862

4y↑2

Heard this song in 53' on our radio. I am 81 yrs old. It the very first R&B song I heard. I heard them all! I eventually sang in a Doo Woo group singing lead and second tenor. I still sing today. My group is called "The Ogeez." We are on facebook. You can also Google us. Listening to "Crying In The Chapel" brought back so many

@williamwitter7862

many memories.

@biancabagnolet5948

5y↑1

c'est toujours aussi génial 👍

@wideawake9598

3y↑1

Loved the music of the 50s. Soo beautiful!

@leedoyle5890

3y↑2

Love this version the most captures the 50s both highs and lows. In my opinion far better acoustics then Elvis’s version

@phatchick820

7y↑2

pure, simple and absolutely amazing!

@laniralte

6y↑1

Beautiful! They took me to the time when they sang...

@clydedahler9572

7y↑17

Great Doo Wop jam from the heart

@stuartperry8141

6y↑3

I believe what separates doo wop from other harmonizing which is a very old music style, is the rhymatic vocals that are more sounds than lyrics.

@ronnieburns4554

2y↑1

Wow, what an Awesome version!

@Michael-wo2pz

An absolutely beautiful song

@victorscena4322

Sonny had a great voice and the lyrics are so pure and the harmony is perfect. You could never sing about the LORD today like the Orioles did on this classic single. Thank you Lord for this beautiful song. I wish that we could go back to those easier times Dr. Doo Wop

@kevinthomas4074

Hope they got out of chapel once in a while.

@victorscena4322

@Kevin Thomas I think they are there for ever and ever

@elvispresley5408

6y↑1

Beautiful song ❤️

@mariamagdalena3407

4y↑1

Mega Sänger.. mega Lied.. Das war halt eine schöne Zeit.. ❤️

@josephkane1436

Another timeless Classic hit single from 1953 as it came from Sonny Til & The Orioles with their Biggest selling hit single Crying In The Chapel

@cynthiajahi8127

7y↑19

Thank you for posting this beautiful music.

@fatcat1967

7y↑34

no one sings this better than sonny til n the orioles

@loufaiella3354

@albertclark113

Never heard of the Bob Marley version only Elvis version and this one and Darrell Glenn version which was written my Darrel uncle when Darrel was in high school,

@josephkane392

Just one The Outstanding hit singles of 1953 as it was done by The Orioles as it was Called Crying In The Chapel just a timeless classic hit single of this year

@iarabcfreitas

7y↑3

Amazing! Love this song, and now I Love so much

@shaneburas1124

3y↑3

American graffiti plays this song, such a great song, brings great memories of my father which i lost at a young age.

@richardhooper7323

It sure is a beautiful song in the movie one most people miss.

@marieking8730

MAN THIS WILL ALWAYS BE A CLASSIC

@jamesprevard6555

No voice like Sonny Till 2 had made them legendary!

@gmastergee

4y↑2

Love this song

@dan-cw2bt

1y↑2

Discovered this song watching Revolutionary Road, can't stop listening to it now

@josephkane4753

Another Real Beautiful hit single from Sonny Til & The Orioles with one of the their Very best hit singles as it is Called Crying In The Chapel as it topped the R&B singles chart for them in 1953

@robertsuttie3307

2y↑1

What a nice song! I can see why Elvis would want to cover it.

@annhaberfelde2564

4y↑2

the vocal harmonies of the 50s have yet to be equaled.

@TamaraRodriguez

9y↑27

Wonderful!

@cindykeelingbates3082

7y↑7

Beautiful!

@josephkane4753

Just one of the most enduring hit singles of the 1950's as it is a timeless Classic single as Elvis also did a good Version to as I do love both Versions so much