<… 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.
On The Sunny Side Of The Street
The Golden Gate Quartet Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I had nothing but shadows
Then one morning you passed
And I brightened at last
Now I greet the day and complete the day
With the sun in my heart
All my worry blew away
When you taught me how to say
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Just direct your feet
To the sunny side of the street
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be so sweet
On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade
With those blues on parade
But I'm not afraid
This Rover crossed over
If I never have a cent
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet
On the sunny side of the street
Grab your street
The Golden Gate Quartet's song "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" is about finding happiness and positivity in life. The singer begins the song and talks about how they used to walk alone, never talking or interacting with anyone, and feeling as if they were living in shadows, living in despair. One morning, however, the singer sees someone pass them by, and they feel immediately lifted and brighter. The rest of the song talks about how the singer's life is now full of sunshine, and they have learned how to greet every day with happiness and joy.
The second verse, in particular, emphasizes this positive attitude the singer has adopted. They sing, "Can't you hear a pitter-pat? / And that happy tune is your step / Life can be so sweet / On the sunny side of the street." The singer is inviting the listener to join them and bask in the sunlight on the sunny side of the street. The third verse, in contrast to the first, highlights the singer's newfound confidence and determination, saying that they're no longer afraid to walk with the blues but instead can confidently walk forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Walked with no one and talked with no one
I lived a very isolated life with no companionship and no conversations
And I had nothing but shadows
My life was full of darkness and gloom with no hope or joy
Then one morning you passed
One day, you came into my life and crossed my path
And I brightened at last
You brought light into my life and made everything better
Now I greet the day and complete the day
I wake up every morning with happiness and satisfaction, and end every day with contentment
With the sun in my heart
I feel warmth and joy within me, which makes my heart shine
All my worry blew away
All my anxiety and stress disappeared
When you taught me how to say
You showed me the way to happiness and positivity
Grab your coat and get your hat
Prepare yourself to leave and face the world
Leave your worry on the doorstep
Don't let your problems or fears follow you out the door
Just direct your feet
Focus on moving forward in the right direction
To the sunny side of the street
To the brighter and happier side of life
Can't you hear a pitter-pat?
Can't you hear the sound of your own heart beating with excitement?
And that happy tune is your step
The music of your happiness is reflected in your confident stride
Life can be so sweet
Life has immense potential for good when we choose to see the positive
On the sunny side of the street
When we actively pursue happiness, we find it in abundance
I used to walk in the shade
I used to live in the darkness of despair and gloom
With those blues on parade
With a constant melancholic tone in my life
But I'm not afraid
But now I have shed my fears
This Rover crossed over
My life has completely changed for the better
If I never have a cent
Even if I never become wealthy
I'd be rich as Rockefeller
I would still feel prosperous and abundant
Gold dust at my feet
My life is filled with richness and beauty
On the sunny side of the street
I have found the bright and joyful side of life, and I'm never going back
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind