Billy Ray was a preacher's son
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they gathered around and started talkin'
That's when Billy would take me walkin'
Out through the back yard 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

Bein' 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 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
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacher man
Yes, he was, he was, oh, yes, he was

(The only one who could ever reach me)
He was the sweet-talkin' son of a preacher man
(The only boy who could ever teach me)
Was the son of a preacher man
(The only one who could ever reach me)
Was the sweet-talkin' son of a preacher man
(The only one who could ever reach me)
(Was the son of a preacher man)
(The only one who could ever reach me)
(Was the son of a preacher man)


Lyrics submitted by Nelly

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 song meanings
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28 Comments

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  • +3
    General Comment

    'bout fucking the preacher's son, right?

    I_And_Ion January 01, 2005   Link
  • +2
    General Comment

    For all the people that care about the actual meanings of songs... This one is about finding love, sin, guilt or what have ya, in the least likely of places. About being startled to find something you want and desire in the place that you would never imagine to find it... in the hands of some Son of a Preacher Man.

    lizard_kingon March 20, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    this song is my "dance in my undies happy" song. it's so fun.

    emma.leeon March 12, 2003   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is pretty weird for me, theres the part of me that is kinda embarrased to be listening to it because im very much non-religious, but the other side of me is hearing the mellow groove and the chicks sweet voice and its all good.

    orangetomorrowon June 15, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    anyways I love this song, I was trumpeter in my college Funk band and we did this in our first year lots. I didn't really think of the lyrics until we were watching some documntary and my mum said she was known to be a lesbian, and I thoguht oh, the song could have a totally different meaning, esp. if she had wanted the meaning fairly well hidden.

    song-moogleon August 08, 2007   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    It's about somebody's first experience with religion and spirituality. Cleverly disguised as a love song. Throughout the song, the narrator becomes closer to God and realizes that He is the only answer in her life. Makes perfect sense, since the "boy" is a "son of a preacher man."

    Johnny0225on February 15, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    I always thought it said "That's when Billy would take me walking" too...

    shazam yoon June 09, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is so great! It's just about learning about sexuality for the first time. There's romance, kisses, more than kisses, and surprisingly it's a preacher's son. It's a hot in a weird, remeber being 14 years old way.

    SupahManDudeon July 02, 2008   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    On the office, Jim said the song was about losing your virginity next to a church. It was in the episode "baby shower"

    StonedImmaculate428on October 20, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    i really like this song i donno y

    Incubus_Babeon October 05, 2002   Link

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