About the song
“My Prayer” by The Platters is a timeless classic that beautifully showcases the group’s ability to evoke deep emotion through their music. Released in 1956, this song is one of The Platters’ most beloved ballads and highlights their distinctive vocal style and the rich, soulful harmonies that define their sound.
The song was originally written by the prolific songwriting team of Jimmy Kennedy and Michel Mayang. Kennedy, an accomplished lyricist known for his ability to craft evocative and heartfelt lyrics, teamed up with Mayang to create “My Prayer,” which has been covered by various artists over the decades. The Platters’ version brings a unique and polished interpretation to the song, emphasizing their smooth vocal delivery and emotional depth.
Produced by Buck Ram, who was instrumental in shaping The Platters’ career and sound, “My Prayer” benefits from Ram’s skill in arranging lush, orchestral backing that perfectly complements the group’s vocals. Under Ram’s guidance, The Platters delivered a rendition that is both sophisticated and profoundly moving, capturing the essence of the song’s message of longing and devotion.
In terms of chart performance, “My Prayer” achieved significant success. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart, showcasing the song’s broad appeal and The Platters’ continuing prominence in the music industry during the mid-1950s.
The track was featured on the album The Platters, released in 1956. This album includes several of the group’s hits from that period, with “My Prayer” standing out due to its emotional intensity and the high quality of The Platters’ performance.
Overall, “My Prayer” by The Platters remains a cherished classic, reflecting the group’s exceptional ability to convey profound feelings through their music. The song’s enduring popularity and its place in The Platters’ impressive discography underscore their significant contribution to the legacy of vocal harmony and popular music.
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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