Remember the scene where John Travolta’s character meets Uma Thurman’s character in the unforgettable Pulp Fiction? According to Quentin Tarantino, he was ready to remove this scene from the film if the song “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield could not be used in it. Fortunately, there were no problems with its inclusion in the soundtrack. We got the opportunity to enjoy the incomparable performance of the actors, and the composition regained its huge popularity.
The story of the creation of the song Son of a Preacher Man
Interestingly, Son of a Preacher Man, which has now become almost a classic, at first did not want to take well-known performers. It was written in 1968 especially for Aretha Franklin by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins. But the “queen of soul” – the daughter of a priest herself – did not want to perform the song, considering it disrespectful. The authors went to Marilee Rush, but she also refused their offer.
As a result, the first Son of a Preacher Man was sung by Dusty Springfield, who made her a hit on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The song was included in the singer’s debut album, called Dusty in Memphis, and was released as a single.
Only later Aretha Franklin decided to record her version, but the public accepted her version with much less enthusiasm than the original. Subsequently, the composition was also performed by Peggy Little, Liza Minnelli, Nancy Sinatra, Tina Turner, Joan Osborne, Dolly Parton and many others.
Son of a Preacher Man was included in Rolling Stone magazine’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Meaning of Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield
What is the song about? If you read the text, the main idea is clear without explanation. The composition is performed on behalf of a girl who secretly meets with the son of a priest, and both of them learn a new feeling for them.
Video of Son of a Preacher Man
Let’s watch the music video in which the famous song is performed by Dusty Springfield.
Interesting Facts
- Dusty Springfield claimed that Aretha Franklin sang Son of a Preacher Man better and even made changes in her style of performance under the influence of the legendary singer.
- In many countries, the alcoholic cocktail “Son of a Priest” is popular.
- There is a misconception that Janis Joplin sang Son of a Preacher Man.
Son Of A Preacher Man Lyrics by Dusty Springfield
Billy Ray was a preacher’s son
And when his daddy would visit he’d come along
When they gathered around and started talking
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
chorus:
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’n tell me “Everything is all right”
He’d kiss and tell me “Everything is all right”
Can I get away again tonight?
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)
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
Lyrics Son Of A Preacher Man Alternate
Billy Ray was the son of a priest
And when his father visited us, he came with him
And as soon as they got together and started talking,
Billy took me for a walk
We left through the backyard
Then he looked into my eyes
God knows I was surprised
Chorus:
The only one who could impress me
Was the son of a priest
The only one who could teach me something
Was the son of a priest
Yes it is it, it is it, oh yes it is it
Being good isn’t always easy
No matter how hard I try
When he started complimenting me
He would come and say “It’s all right”
He kissed and said “It’s okay”
Will I go for a walk with him tonight?
How well do I remember
That look in his eyes
When he suddenly kissed me furtively,
Trying to make up for lost time
Saying that he is in my power,
Learning from each other
Trying to understand how old we are and …
(The only one who could impress me)
He was the son of a priest
(The only one who could teach me something)
Was the son of a priest
(The only one who could impress me)
There was a sweet-voiced priest’s son
