Son Of A Preacher Man (Dusty Springfield cover)

Aretha Franklin

Billy Ray was a preacher's son
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they gathered around the parlour talkin'
That's when Billy would take me walkin'
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 (hallelujah)

Bein' good isn't always easy
No matter how hard I try
When he started sweet-talkin' to me
He'd kiss 'n tell me "Everything is all right" (sock it to me)
"Baby, baby everything is all right" (sock it to me)
Can I sneak away again tonight, now?

The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man (I tell you that)
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes he was (hallelujah)

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 knowin'
Lookin' to see how much we've grown and

The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacher man (I tell you that)
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, oh he was (hallelujah)

Hallelujah, son of a preacher man
Hallelujah, for the son
Son of a preacher man
Hallelujah, son of a preacher man

Hallelujah, for the son
Son of a preacher man
He's only boy, yes he is, who could ever reach me
Son of a preacher man
He's only boy who could ever teach me
Son of a preacher man


Lyrics submitted by Shoot_Me

Son of a Preacher Man Lyrics as written by Ronnie Wilkins John Hurley

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Son Of A Preacher Man (Dusty Springfield cover) song meanings
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8 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment
    This song holds a very special place in my heart. I am a son of a preacher man and growing up hearing this song made me think that I too one day would be smooth enough to steal kisses from the object of my desire. Unfortunately, I have always been totally disarmed by women and certainly never acquired the moves needed to compete with Billy Ray mentioned in the song (probably just as well as I have been married for 28 years in a couple of days). I am not sure if I heard Dusty’s or Aretha’s version first but Aretha’s version is the one version I own and hear all the time. What a great vocal by Aretha as she seems to be totally disarmed by that wolf Billy Ray. Helpless in his power she seems more resigned to her emotions than what I remember from Dusty. Both renditions are wonderful.
    grogleyon January 05, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Aretha sings this?
    xoblahxxblahxoon February 02, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    only one of her most famous songs, oops, even though it might be a cover
    PerryDeuon September 12, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    I love this, she is throwing away her childhood innocence, something all young women go through. But her impulses are driven purely by this one boy, or 'billy ray' love it sooo much x mmwa
    Izeon December 07, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    This was originally sung by Dusty Springfield, and although I've never heard the 'Retha version, I know she did do one.
    yoshemitzuon December 09, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    this always reminds me of Pulp Fiction :]
    dorky_twilighteron October 21, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    Aretha is Gold!
    temptation777on June 13, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment
    The best version to listen to is from Pulp Fiction
    temptation777on June 13, 2010   Link

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