About the song
Stepping back into the golden age of vocal harmony groups, we encounter a gem that continues to shimmer with timeless elegance: “My Prayer” by The Platters. Released in 1956, this exquisite ballad transcended the boundaries of popular music, becoming an enduring testament to the power of love and faith.
The Platters, renowned for their smooth, velvety harmonies and the soulful lead vocals of Tony Williams, delivered a performance in “My Prayer” that is both tender and powerful. The song, adapted from a French composition titled “Avant de Mourir” by Georges Boulanger, was given new life with English lyrics by Don Pelosi. This fusion of European romanticism and American vocal artistry resulted in a masterpiece that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.
“My Prayer” opens with a hushed reverence, a gentle piano chord setting the stage for Williams’s imploring vocals. The lyrics, imbued with a sense of yearning and devotion, paint a picture of love that seeks divine blessing. “When the twilight is gone and no songbirds are singing,” Williams begins, his voice a beacon of sincerity, “When the shadows appear and the stars are beginning to glimmer…” The imagery evokes a quiet intimacy, a moment of heartfelt confession.
As the song unfolds, the harmonies of the Platters weave a tapestry of sound that is both supportive and enriching. The voices of David Lynch, Paul Robi, Herb Reed, and Zola Taylor blend seamlessly with Williams’s lead, creating a sonic experience that is both comforting and uplifting. The arrangement, orchestrated with subtle strings and a delicate rhythm section, enhances the song’s emotional depth without ever overshadowing the vocal performance.
“My Prayer” is a testament to the enduring power of classic songwriting and vocal artistry. It’s a song that speaks to the deepest desires of the human heart, a timeless expression of love, faith, and hope that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.
Video
Lyrics
When the twilight is gone
And no songbirds are singing
When the twilight is gone
You come into my heart
And here in my heart you will stay while I pray
My prayer is to linger with you
At the end of the day in a dream that’s divine
My prayer is a rapture in blue
With the world far away
And your lips close to mine
Tonight while our hearts are aglow
Oh, tell me the words that I’m longing to know
My prayer and the answer you give
May they still be the same for as long as we live
That you’ll always be there at the end of my prayer