<… Read Full Bio ↴The definitive Afroamerican gospel group in the jubilee quartet style.
Founded as the Golden Gate Jubilee Quartet in Norfolk, Virginia in 1934 by A. C. “Eddie” Griffin, Robert “Peg” Ford, Henry Owens, and Bill Johnson, they began as a traditional jubilee quartet, combining the clever arrangements associated with barbershop quartets with rhythms borrowed from the blues and jazz.
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.
Comin
The Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
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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 lyrics "Comin' in on a wing and a prayer" refer to a common phrase used during World War II. It describes a plane which has been severely damaged during combat but is still attempting to land safely with only one remaining engine. The song is a tribute to the pilots who bravely served in the war, making great sacrifices to protect their countries. The Golden Gate Quartet, one of the most well-known African-American gospel groups of the time, released the song in 1943.
The lyrics convey the courage, determination, and faith of the pilots, as they enter into a dangerous situation but remain steadfast in their trust in God. The line "With our one motor gone, we can still carry on" speaks to their resilience in the face of adversity. The imagery of "limping through the air" and "comin' in on a wing and a prayer" illustrate the direness of the situation, but also the hope that they will make it through.
Despite being a gospel group, The Golden Gate Quartet has incorporated elements of swing and jazz into this song, which was not uncommon in the 1940s. The upbeat melody and harmony provide a contrast to the seriousness of the lyrics, creating a sense of optimism and resilience in the face of conflict.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are arriving with only the grace of God to guide us.
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Our arrival is uncertain and dangerous, but we are still making our way.
With our one motor gone
Despite losing an engine, we remain resolved to complete our mission.
We can still carry on
We may be struggling, but our determination allows us to persevere.
What a show, what a fight
We had an eventful and trying journey, but we pushed through.
Boys, we really hit our target for tonight
We successfully achieved our objective despite the obstacles and challenges we faced.
How we sing as we limp through the air
We are in a precarious situation, but we still find joy in our journey and continue to push forward.
Look below, there's our field over there
After all we've been through, we have finally arrived at our destination.
With our full crew on board
Despite the difficulties, we remained unified and everyone was present to contribute.
And our trust in the Lord
Our faith in a higher power to guide us allowed us the courage to overcome our circumstances.
We're comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We have made it through by the grace of God, determination, faith, and teamwork.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ADAMSON, JIMMY MC HUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind