The family began appearing in Chicago-area churches in 1948, and signed their first professional contract in 1952. They signed with United Records, then Vee-Jay, Riverside, Epic and, eventually, the black-owned indie Stax Records label where they hit their most fertile commercial peak.
In 1967, on Columbia subsidiary Epic, the Staple Singers first began moving into mainstream pop markets with "Why (Am I Treated So Bad)" and "For What It's Worth" (written by Stephen Stills). In 1968, the Staple Singers signed to Stax and released two albums recorded with Steve Cropper of Booker T & the MG's fame - Soul Folk in Action and We'll Get Over. By 1970, Al Bell had become producer, and the family began recording at the famed Muscle Shoals studio, moving in a more funk and soul direction. The first Stax hit was "Heavy Makes You Happy (Sha-Na-Boom Boom)". In 1972, the group had a No. 1 hit in the United States with "I'll Take You There." Their 1972 recording on Stax of "Respect Yourself," written by Luther Ingram and Mack Rice, was number 2 on the R&B charts and a Top 40 pop hit as well. The song's theme of self-empowerment had universal appeal, released in the period immediately following the intense American civil rights movement of the 1960s. During this Stax period they appeared at a 1972 summer concert at the LA Memorial Coliseum attended by 100,000 people and documented in the 1973 film and soundtrack album Wattstax.
The Staple Singers then signed to Curtom, Curtis Mayfield's imprint, and released the soundtrack to a comedy film co-starring Bill Cosby called "Let's Do It Again". The soundtrack was produced by Mayfield; and the title song was a huge hit in 1975. After this, however, they were not able to regain their commercial momentum, releasing occasional minor hits, and moving from label to label including Warner Brothers and 20th Century before returning to Epic in the mid 80s. Lead singer Mavis Staples began a fruitful solo career in earnest that continues to this day and involves live performing with her sister Yvonne Staples. The other daughters in the group who did not pursue solo careers were Pervis Staples, and Cleotha Staples.
In 1994, the family made this final recording of a duet with Mary Stuart (reprising their Last Watz style backing on a cover of "The Weight" by The Band), somewhat re-establishing an audience.
Pops Staples died in December 2000.
Cleotha Staples died in Chicago on February 21, 2013.
Yvonne Staples died in April 2018 and Pervis Staples in May 2021.
Pray On
The Staple Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got a home on high (yes, I got a home on high)
You know I've been talked about (you as you born)
I need Jesus (Jesus to carry me on)
Oh, if I never (never did)
Wander where you meet (meet me on the other shore)
Pray on (pray on, my child)
Oh, yeah (pray on, my child)
I got a home on high (yes, I got a home on high)
Pray on my child (pray on my child)
I got a home on high (yes, I got a home on high)
You know I've been talked about (you as you born)
And I need Jesus (Jesus to carry me on)
Oh, if I never (never see your smiling face)
I wanna be saved (saved by my own grave)
Pray on (pray on my child)
Oh yeah (pray on my child)
I got a home on high (yes, I got a home on high)
I remember the day, remember it well (pray on, just pray on)
When you saved my soul from burning hell (pray on, you just pray on)
You can talk about me as much as you believe (pray on and just pray on)
But the more you talk, I'm gonna bend my knee (pray on and just pray on)
Pray on my child (pray on, my child)
I got a home on high (yes, I got a home on high)
You know I've been talked about (you as you born)
And I need Jesus (Jesus to carry me on)
Oh, if I never (guess you really want)
Wander where you meet (meet me on the other shore)
Pray on (pray on, my child)
Pray on (pray on, my child)
Pray on (pray on, my child)
If your love don't pray (pray on, my child)
You pray on (pray on, my child)
Mama don't pray (pray on, my child)
Pray on (pray on, my child)
If your friends talk about you (pray on, my child)
You, you pray on (pray on, my child)
Right into the heavens (pray on, my child)
You pray on (pray on, my child)
And then when you get lonely (pray on, my child)
When you get lonely (pray on, my child)
Say, when you get lonely (pray on, my child)
Oh, when you get lonely (pray on, my child)
Don't stop praying (pray on, my child)
And you might get weary (pray on, my child)
And you might get tired (pray on, my child)
Say, you might get tired (pray on, my child)
You, you pray on (pray on, my child)
Oh, yeah (pray on, my child)
I got a home on high (yes, I got a home on high)
"Pray On" by The Staple Singers is a gospel song about faith, perseverance, and the promise of salvation in heaven. The chorus repeats the line "Pray on, my child," encouraging listeners to keep praying and trusting in God despite challenges and doubts. The verses mention being talked about, needing Jesus to carry on, and the desire to be saved and reunited with loved ones in heaven. The bridge expresses gratitude for God's saving grace and a determination to continue praying and believing no matter what others say.
The song's lyrics are open to personal interpretation but generally convey a message of hope and comfort for those facing hardships or feeling alone. The repetition of "pray on" serves as a reminder to stay connected to one's faith and seek strength from a higher power. The song's simple melody and soulful vocals add to its emotional impact and make it a beloved classic in gospel music.
Line by Line Meaning
Pray on, my child
Continue to pray, my child
I got a home on high
I have a place in Heaven
You know I've been talked about
People have spoken badly about me
I need Jesus
I rely on Jesus
Oh, if I never
Even if I never
Wander where you meet
Wonder where you will meet me
Oh yeah
Oh yes
Pray on my child
Keep praying, my child
And I need Jesus
And I rely on Jesus
I wanna be saved
I want to be saved by my own faith
I remember the day, remember it well
I remember the day vividly
When you saved my soul from burning hell
When you saved me from a bad fate
You can talk about me as much as you believe, But the more you talk, I'm gonna bend my knee
You can say what you want, but I will continue to pray
If your love don't pray, You pray on
Even if others don't pray, you should continue to pray
Mama don't pray, Pray on
Even if your mother doesn't pray, you should continue to pray
If your friends talk about you, You, you pray on
Even if your friends talk about you, you should continue to pray
Right into the heavens, You pray on
Pray to reach the heavens
And then when you get lonely, When you get lonely, Say, when you get lonely, Oh, when you get lonely, Don't stop praying
When you are lonely, don't stop praying because it will bring you comfort
And you might get weary, And you might get tired, Say, you might get tired
You may become tired or weary, but keep praying anyway
I got a home on high
I have a place in Heaven
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: R STAPLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Janet Tucker
Mavis Staple's voice is a wonder of nature.
L A
Love those old songs they touch my soul everytime I listen to them.
MsB Cheet
MY FAVORITE GROUP!!! I loved them as a child, and I still love their music.
Em Ployed
My grandfather pastored a church, and they use to sing this exact version. Hearing this brings back the memories. I can still see my grandmother singing this in the choir…
Fred Ronda
i love the stapels singer and this my favorit number that make me happy
Detoria Mason
Beautiful song!❤ Grew up listening to them as a child.
Derek Beachem
First gospel song I loved as a kid love the Staple Singers Sing! Mavis!
J1 Robinson
I love the staple singers! Mavis can eat this song up! I like this version better because of the curves in the background vocals and the rhythm of the overall song.
Keiley Mynk
grew up with this album
Lottie Chatman
Love them