<… 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' in On a Wing and a Prayer
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 Golden Gate Quartet's song "Comin' in on a Wing and a Prayer" is a World War II-era song that reflects on the bravery of soldiers and the uncertainty of air combat. The song itself is a metaphor for the courage of pilots who, despite the odds stacked against them, continue to fight and complete their mission. The lyrics describe the plight of a plane that has lost one of its engines yet continues to fly on, experiencing turbulence and a bumpy ride. The constant reference to "a wing and a prayer" highlights the desperation of the situation and emphasizes the pilots' reliance on divine intervention to return safely.
The singer describes the pride and sense of accomplishment that comes when the pilots successfully hit their target despite their engine trouble. The phrase "What a show, what a fight/ Boys, we really hit our target for tonight/ How we sing as we limp through the air" captures this sentiment of relief and joy at a successful mission amidst the danger and difficulty of air combat. The song ends on a note of hope and faith, with the crew putting their trust in the Lord as they make their descent.
Overall, "Comin' in on a Wing and a Prayer" is a powerful tribute to the bravery and resilience of soldiers during wartime. It uses vivid imagery and bold language to capture the danger and uncertainty of air combat, while also highlighting the determination and courage of the pilots who continue to fight despite the odds.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
We are barely making it back from our mission, relying on faith and hope.
Comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Our situation is dire and we can't be certain we will make it safely home.
With our one motor gone
We have lost one of our engines, making our flight much harder and dangerous.
We can still carry on
Despite the loss of an engine, we are determined to complete our mission and return home.
What a show, what a fight
Our mission was intense and challenging, requiring all of our skills and courage.
Boys, we really hit our target for tonight
Despite the difficulties, we were successful in our mission and accomplished our goal.
How we sing as we limp through the air
We are singing with relief and gratitude as we struggle to stay in the air with only one engine.
Look below, there's our field over there
We are relieved to see the landing field below us, getting closer with every passing moment.
With our full crew on board
All of our crew members are still with us, despite the danger and challenges we faced on the mission.
And our trust in the Lord
We have faith that God will help us make it home safely, despite the odds against us.
We're comin' in on a wing and a prayer
Despite the odds against us, we are still determined to make it home safely and complete our mission.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HAROLD ADAMSON, JIMMY MC HUGH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind