<… 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.
Mack the knife
The Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And it shows them pearly white
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
Scarlet billows start to spread
Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe
So there's never, never a trace of red
Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river dontcha know
Where a cement bag's just a'drooppin' on down
Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
Five'll get ya ten old Macky's back in town
Now d'ja hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Now that Macky's back in town
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey Tawdry
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Now that Macky's back in town
Look out, old Macky's back!!
The Golden Gate Quartet's version of Mack The Knife is a jazzy and lively take on a classic song. The lyrics tell the story of a notorious criminal named MacHeath, also known as Mack the Knife. The first verse introduces MacHeath as a dangerous man with a hidden weapon, referred to as a "jackknife," and also mentions his penchant for fancy gloves to keep his victims from seeing any blood. The second verse sets the scene of a murder and poses the question of whether MacHeath could be responsible. The third verse references other criminal associates of MacHeath and implies that with his return to town, trouble is sure to follow.
The song is a commentary on the glamorization of crime and the allure of dangerous men like MacHeath. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the dark subject matter, making it a popular tune for covers and adaptations. The lyrics also reference real-life criminals of the time, including Louie Miller and Lotte Lenya, who were known for their criminal activities.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, the shark, babe, has such teeth, dear
The criminal referred to as 'Mack the Knife' is dangerous.
And it shows them pearly white
He is not afraid to show his violent nature.
Just a jackknife has old MacHeath, babe
Mack the Knife is armed only with a small knife.
And he keeps it, ah, out of sight
He is cautious and hides his weapon to avoid detection.
Ya know when that shark bites with his teeth, babe
When Mack the Knife attacks, it is violent and deadly.
Scarlet billows start to spread
Blood is spilled when he attacks.
Fancy gloves, oh, wears old MacHeath, babe
He is stylish and wears nice clothing.
So there's never, never a trace of red
He is careful and avoids getting blood on himself.
Now on the sidewalk, huh, huh, whoo sunny morning, un huh
A dead body is found on a sunny sidewalk.
Lies a body just oozin' life, eek
The body is still fresh and has not been dead for long.
And someone's sneakin' 'round the corner
The killer might be nearby.
Could that someone be Mack the Knife?
The artist suspects that Mack the Knife is responsible for the murder.
There's a tugboat, huh, huh, down by the river dontcha know
A cement bag is thrown into a river from a tugboat.
Where a cement bag's just a'drooppin' on down
The bag is heavy and sinks to the bottom of the river.
Oh, that cement is just, it's there for the weight, dear
Mack the Knife might be involved in disposing of the body.
Five'll get ya ten old Macky's back in town
Rumors are spreading that Mack the Knife has returned to town.
Now d'ja hear 'bout Louie Miller? He disappeared, babe
Another person has gone missing in the town.
After drawin' out all his hard-earned cash
Louie Miller had withdrawn all his money before he disappeared.
And now MacHeath spends just like a sailor
Mack the Knife is spending a lot of money, suspiciously.
Could it be our boy's done somethin' rash?
The artist questions if Mack the Knife is responsible for the disappearances and murder.
Now Jenny Diver, ho, ho, yeah, Sukey Tawdry
The artist lists women who might be involved with Mack the Knife.
Ooh, Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
More women are listed as possible associates of Mack the Knife.
Oh, the line forms on the right, babe
Many people are interested in associating with Mack the Knife.
Now that Macky's back in town
The return of Mack the Knife has caused a stir.
I said Jenny Diver, whoa, Sukey Tawdry
The singer repeats the names of the women associated with Mack the Knife.
Look out to Miss Lotte Lenya and old Lucy Brown
More women are named.
Yes, that line forms on the right, babe
Many people are interested in Mack the Knife's associates.
Now that Macky's back in town
His return has caused a lot of attention and speculation.
Look out, old Macky's back!!
The song ends with a warning and sense of foreboding.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Kurt Weill, Bertolt Brecht, Marc Blitzstein
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind