About the song
“Son of a Preacher Man,” written by American songwriters John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, is a classic hit that encapsulates the soul and pop blend of the late 1960s. Originally recorded by British singer Dusty Springfield in September 1968, the song became a significant part of her debut album for Atlantic Records, *Dusty in Memphis*. Produced by the esteemed trio Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, and Arif Mardin, this track was emblematic of Springfield’s foray into soul music, marking a significant departure from her earlier pop style.
The song’s lyrics weave a compelling narrative about a young woman’s relationship with the charismatic son of a preacher, infusing the tune with a sense of forbidden romance and intrigue. Springfield’s soulful rendition of “Son of a Preacher Man” brought her voice to the forefront of the soul genre, achieving impressive chart success. It reached No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1969, establishing her as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Despite its initial success, “Son of a Preacher Man” would be Springfield’s last Top 30 hit until her collaboration with the Pet Shop Boys in 1987. However, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity when it was featured in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film *Pulp Fiction*. The inclusion of the song in the film’s soundtrack, which went on to sell over two million copies, introduced the track to a new generation and led to a re-release that topped the charts in Iceland in 1995.
The song’s origins are rooted in the intent to offer a piece that could resonate with Aretha Franklin’s style, although it was ultimately Dusty Springfield who brought it to life. Franklin later recorded her own version for her album *This Girl’s in Love with You*, and Erma Franklin also put her spin on the track.
“Son of a Preacher Man” has been widely praised for its distinctive blend of soul and pop, with critics noting Springfield’s powerful vocal delivery and the song’s infectious rhythm. It earned a place in Rolling Stone magazine’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” and was included in the New Musical Express’s list of the “Greatest Singles of All Time.” The track’s influence extended beyond music, finding its way into various cultural contexts, including samples in Cypress Hill’s “Hits from the Bong” and features in video games like *Mafia III*.
Dusty Springfield’s rendition of “Son of a Preacher Man” remains a timeless classic, celebrated for its vibrant energy and emotional depth, and continues to be a touchstone of 1960s soul music.
Video
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