My Prayer

The Ink Spots

About My Prayer

"My Prayer" is a 1939 popular song with music by salon violinist Georges Boulanger and lyrics by Carlos Gomez Barrera and Jimmy Kennedy. It was originally written by Boulanger with the title Avant de mourir (Before dying) 1926. The lyrics for this version were added by Kennedy in 1939. Glenn Miller recorded the song that year for a number two hit and The Ink Spots' version featuring Bill Kenny reached number three, as well, that year. It has been recorded many times since, but the biggest hit version was a doo-wop rendition in 1956 by The Platters, whose single release reached number one on the Billboard Top 100 in the summer, and ranked four for the year. The Platters recording features in the 2008 film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in the 1985 film Mischief, in the 1999 film October Sky, and in two episodes of the 2017 series of Twin Peaks. The Ink Spots' version of the song was featured in the 1992 movie Malcolm X. Vera Lynn sang the song in the British film One Exciting Night in 1944. The song also became a tango in the Italian version by Norma Bruni and Cinico Angelini's orchestra (1940), "Sì, voglio vivere ancor!". 


Year:
1999
3:15
112 
#1

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My prayer is to linger with you
At the end of the day
In a dream that's devine

My prayer is a rapture in blue
With a 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

My prayer is to linger with you
At the end of each day
In a dream that's devine

My prayer is a rapture in blue
With a 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

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The Ink Spots

The Ink Spots were a vocal group in the 1930s and 1940s that helped define the musical genre that led to rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and the subgenre doo-wop. They and the Mills Brothers, another black vocal group of the same period, gained much acceptance in both the white community and black community. They were inducted into the vocal group hall of fame in 1999. more »

3 fans

Written by: MASSIMILIANO FRANCESCHIN

Lyrics © SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Release
The song "My Prayer" was originally recorded by The Ink Spots in July 1939. This American pop vocal group was one of the most successful ones in the early 20th century.
Popular Cover
"The Platters" popularly covered "My Prayer" in 1956. This version of the song topped the Billboard charts and became synonymous with the group's signature sound.
Chart Performance
The Platters' version of "My Prayer" reached #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart in 1956, indicating its popularity and widespread appeal.
Musical Composition
“My Prayer” was originally a 1926 instrumental composition by Georges Boulanger with lyrics added later in 1939 by Jimmy Kennedy.
Other Versions
Apart from The Ink Spots and The Platters, numerous artists have also performed covers of "My Prayer," including Percy Sledge and Dion & The Belmonts.
Film Appearance
The Platters' rendition of "My Prayer" made an appearance in the 2008 film "Cadillac Records," thus reinforcing its timeless appeal.
Repeated Success
The Platters' version was not just a hit in the U.S. but also in the UK, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Unique Musical Style
Both versions of "My Prayer" are reflective of the unique styles of the respective groups. The Ink Spots were known for their "top & bottom" format that featured a high tenor lead with a talking bass. On the other hand, The Platters were recognized for their vocal harmonies and lead vocalist Tony Williams' powerful voice.
Genre and Era
The song clearly reflects the genre and era it came from. The Ink Spots were a key influence in the development of the Doo-wop genre, while The Platters are one of the most successful vocal groups of the early rock and roll era.
Legacy
The success, popularity, and enduring relevance of "My Prayer" through different versions and recognitions in pop culture establish it as a classic in popular American music history.

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