The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
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
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
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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.
Aretha sings this?
only one of her most famous songs, oops, even though it might be a cover
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
This was originally sung by Dusty Springfield, and although I've never heard the 'Retha version, I know she did do one.
this always reminds me of Pulp Fiction :]
Aretha is Gold!
The best version to listen to is from Pulp Fiction