About the song
“Son of a Preacher Man” stands as a timeless classic in the realm of soul and pop music, immortalized by the iconic Dusty Springfield in 1968. Written by American songwriters John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, the song was originally intended for Aretha Franklin but found its home with Springfield during the recording sessions for her pivotal album “Dusty in Memphis.” Produced by a powerhouse trio consisting of Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and Arif Mardin, the track resonated deeply with listeners, capturing the essence of Southern soul with Springfield’s distinctive voice.
Upon its release as a single later that year, “Son of a Preacher Man” swiftly ascended international charts, peaking at number 9 in the UK and number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success marked a significant milestone in Springfield’s career, becoming her last major hit until her resurgence in the late ’80s. The song’s popularity endured decades later when it gained renewed acclaim after featuring prominently in Quentin Tarantino’s cult classic film “Pulp Fiction” in 1994, introducing it to a new generation of fans.
The song’s allure lies not only in its infectious melody and soulful delivery but also in its universal themes of love and longing. Springfield’s interpretation, infused with a hint of gospel-inspired fervor, showcased her vocal prowess and remains a defining moment in pop music history. Its impact is further underscored by its inclusion in numerous lists of the greatest songs of all time, cementing its legacy as a cornerstone of 20th-century music.
Beyond its original recording, “Son of a Preacher Man” has found resonance in diverse contexts, from covers by renowned artists like Aretha Franklin to appearances in films, television shows, and even video games. Its ability to transcend genres and generations speaks to its enduring appeal and the timeless quality of its composition.
In essence, “Son of a Preacher Man” continues to captivate audiences worldwide, its narrative and melody weaving into the fabric of popular culture while maintaining its status as a classic anthem of love and soul. Dusty Springfield’s rendition remains an indispensable piece of musical history, a testament to the songwriting prowess of Hurley and Wilkins and the transformative power of a truly unforgettable performance.
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Lyrics
Billy-Ray was a preacher’s son
And when his daddy would visit he’d come along
When they gathered round and started talkin’
That’s when Billy would take me walkin’
A-through the backyard we’d go walkin’
Then he’d look into my eyes
Lord knows to my surprise
The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man.
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man.
Yes he was, he was
Ooh, yes he was.
Being good isn’t always easy
No matter how hard I try.
When he started sweet-talkin’ to me
He’d come and tell me everything is all right
He’d kiss and tell me everything is all right.
Can I get away again tonight?
The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man.
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man.
Yes he was, he was
(Ooh) Lord knows he was
(Yes he was.)
How well I remember
The look that was in his eyes.
Stealin’ kisses from me on the sly
Takin’ time to make time
Tellin’ me that he’s all mine
Learnin’ from each other’s knowing
Lookin’ to see how much we’re growin’
And the only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man.
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man.
Yes he was, he was
Ooh, yes he was.
The only one who could ever reach me
He was the sweet-talking son of a preacher man.
The only one who could ever teach me
I guess it was the son of a preacher man.
The only one who could ever move me
Sweet talking son of the preacher man
The only one who could ever move me
Was the son of the preacher man