<… 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.
Don't let go
The Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Come on baby, it's time to rock
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'm so happy I got you here
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear
(Don't let go, don't let go)
[Chorus]
Oooooh-weeee, this feelin's killin' me
Aaaaaah-shucks, well,
I wouldn't stop it for a million bucks
I love you so,
Just hold me tight and don't let go
Thunder, lightnin', wind and rain
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Love is hummin' inside my brain
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'm so eager I'm nearly dyin
(Don't let go, don't let go)
You been keepin' your lips from mine
(Don't let go, don't let go)
[Chorus]
Hound dog barkin' upside the hill
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Love is draggin' him through the mill
(Don't let go, don't let go)
If it wasn't for havin' you
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'd be barkin' and hollerin' too
(Don't let go, don't let go)
[Chorus]
One day baby, you'll cook me yet
(Don't let go, don't let go)
I'll be hollerin', and soaken' wet
(Don't let go, don't let go)
One thing baby, I'll never stand
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Your lips kissin' some other man
(Don't let go, don't let go)
[Chorus]
Just hold me tight
Just hold me tight
Just hold me tight
The Golden Gate Quartet's "Don't Let Go" is a song that celebrates the joy of love and togetherness. The song starts with the sound of a whistle, indicating that it's time to rock and roll. The lyrics then proceed to express the delight of the singer to have their partner with them. The singer credits the presence of their lover for keeping them grinning from ear to ear.
The chorus expresses how the feeling of love is so intense that it's killing the singer, but they wouldn't let go of it for a million bucks. They express their love and affection for their partner and ask them to hold them tight, assuring that they won't let go. The verses mention natural elements like thunder, lightning, wind, and rain, which seem to be in synch with the love humming inside the singer's brain. The mention of a hound dog barking and being dragged through the mill because of love adds a touch of humor to the lyrics.
The song ends with the singer stating that they would never stand their partner's lips kissing someone else. The audience can tell that the singer values the presence of their lover in their life, and they don't want to let go of that feeling of love and togetherness.
Line by Line Meaning
Hear that whistle, it's ten o'clock
Acknowledge the whistle sound which indicates that it's already ten o'clock
(Don't let go, don't let go)
Hold on tightly and don't let go
Come on baby, it's time to rock
Get ready to dance and have a good time
I'm so happy I got you here
Feeling grateful that you are here with me
Keeps me grinnin' from ear to ear
Your presence is bringing joy to my face
[Chorus]
Reiterating previous statements about feeling happy and in love
Thunder, lightnin', wind and rain
Despite the tumultuous weather outside
Love is hummin' inside my brain
My mind is filled with thoughts of love
I'm so eager I'm nearly dyin
I am filled with excitement and anticipation
You been keepin' your lips from mine
I'm longing for a kiss from you
[Chorus]
Continuing to express love and happiness
Hound dog barkin' upside the hill
The sound of a barking dog in the background
Love is draggin' him through the mill
The strength of our love is even affecting the dog's behavior
If it wasn't for havin' you
Without you by my side
I'd be barkin' and hollerin' too
I would be feeling desperate and alone
[Chorus]
Repeating the chorus once more
One day baby, you'll cook me yet
One day, you'll impress me with your cooking skills
I'll be hollerin', and soaken' wet
I'll be shouting out my love for you, even if I get soaking wet
One thing baby, I'll never stand
I cannot bear the thought of you being with someone else
Your lips kissin' some other man
You sharing a kiss with someone else
[Chorus]
One final time, expressing our love and commitment to each other
Just hold me tight
As a final plea, please hold me tight
Just hold me tight
Repeating the request to hold on tight
Just hold me tight
One last time, begging to be held tightly
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: STEPHEN SINCLAIR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Muna Sawa
I had not heard this one before. I love it!
Ellie Ellie
Wonderful