<… 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.
Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jerico
The Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
The walls came tumblin' down, Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
You may talk about the men of Gideon
You may talk about the men of Saul
But there're none like good old Joshua
At the battle of Jericho, Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumblin' down, Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumblin' down
Up to the walls of Jericho
With sword drawn in his hand
Go blow them horns, cried Joshua
The battle is in my hands
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumblin' down, that mornin'
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumblin' down, Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls come tumblin' down
The song "Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho" by The Golden Gate Quartet is a traditional African-American spiritual that tells the story of the Biblical figure Joshua and the battle of Jericho. The lyrics describe Joshua leading his soldiers to the walls of Jericho with swords drawn, and shouting for them to blow their horns. The walls of Jericho come tumbling down, signifying Joshua's victory and the power of faith.
The song is a celebration of resilience, faith, and hope in the face of adversity. The walls of Jericho represent any seemingly insurmountable obstacle that individuals or communities may face. Joshua's victory is a symbol of triumph over these obstacles through determination and faith. The repetition of the phrase "Hallelujah" throughout the song emphasizes the joy and gratitude felt by those who have overcome such obstacles.
The song has been interpreted as a metaphor for the civil rights movement and other struggles for justice and equality. It has been covered by many artists, including Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, and Bob Dylan, and is a popular song in gospel and spiritual music.
Line by Line Meaning
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Joshua led the fight against Jericho
Jericho, Jericho
This fight was against the city of Jericho
The walls came tumblin' down, Hallelujah
The walls of Jericho fell down, which was a miracle and cause for celebration
You may talk about the men of Gideon
People may discuss the bravery of Gideon's army
You may talk about the men of Saul
People may also talk about the men who fought under King Saul
But there're none like good old Joshua
However, Joshua was a remarkable leader
At the battle of Jericho, Hallelujah
Especially during the battle of Jericho, which was cause for celebration
Up to the walls of Jericho
Joshua and his army approached the walls of Jericho
With sword drawn in his hand
Joshua was armed with a sword
Go blow them horns, cried Joshua
Joshua commanded his army to blow their horns
The battle is in my hands
Joshua had confidence in his leadership and their ability to win the battle
And the walls come tumblin' down, that mornin'
The walls of Jericho fell down in the morning
And the walls come tumblin' down, Hallelujah
The fall of the walls was cause for celebration
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@son_oturum
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
You may talk about the men of Gideon
You may talk about the men of Saul
But there's none like the good old Joshua
At the battle of Jericho
Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
Up to the walls of Jericho
With sword drawn in his hand
Go blow them horns like Joshua
The battle is in my hands
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
That mornin'
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
Hallelujah
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
Jericho Jericho
Joshua fit the battle of Jericho
And the walls came tumbling down
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Jester Hairston
@squeezemyparticiple
I'm a barbershopper, so it's an incredible honor to be able to have immediate access to these recordings. This kind of music truly is the root of barbershop.
@robkunkel8833
I’m a 1925 Soprano sax open mic player. Guess what song will be in the middle of a solo. There’s a more New Orleans similar style version on YouTube by The Delta Rhythm Boys. Flashier. About the same era but crossover audience anticipated.
@chevydude658
Oh my goodness they are fantastic! WOW! I've heard them mentioned but I've never seen them. These are some classy cats.
@janlundekathleenginyard8607
My dad - Caleb Ginyard and my godfather Orlandus Wilson! All my love forever!
@MsAnna47
Really ??? that is awesome. Wonderful performance of this old favorite.
@wadisanaa
they were amazing.
@caydenkasongo3534
Is Caleb actually your father
@janlundekathleenginyard8607
@@caydenkasongo3534 Yes he is! My mum and he got married in London 1956!
@janlundekathleenginyard8607
@@lga4047 Thank you! /Kathleen
@bonganimiya1310
Thanks so much. My father sang in our Church quartet in the 70s and early 80s and they sang this very song and so happens this is the song I still recall them singing as a child. He passed away on October 2022. I think all their quartet has passed now. Im sure they were inspired by these ones - somebody threw our family records away. South African. 05.01.2024