Son of a Preacher Man

Dusty SpringField

“Son of a Preacher Man” is one of Dusty Springfield’s most iconic songs, released in 1968 on her album “Dusty in Memphis.”

this e-book will cover the story of the song and Dusty Springfield, enjoy!

The song, written by John Hurley and Ronnie Wilkins, tells the story of a young woman reminiscing about a preacher’s son who was the only boy who could understand and reach her emotionally.

It reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States and number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, as well as earned Dusty Springfield a Grammy Award nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Lets take a look at the 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, oooh, yes he was

Being good isn’t always easy
No matter how hard I try
‘Cause 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, Lord knows 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 growing

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
He was the sweet-talking son of a preacher man
I kissed the son of a preacher man
The sweet-lovin’ son of a preacher man
Ahh, ooh, ahh….

The song “Son of a Preacher Man” is about a deep and memorable romantic connection with Billy-Ray, the preacher’s son.

Clearly, the mention of Billy-Ray being the “son of a preacher man” suggests a sense of forbidden fruit, making us feel an extra layer of tension.

The narrator reflects on how Billy-Ray had a unique and powerful impact on her life. Despite trying to stay virtuous, she found it hard to resist his charm and reassurance.

Overall, it tells us about the intensity of a relationship where Billy-Ray influenced her, blending a mix of nostalgia, temptation, and genuine connection.

About Dusty Springfield, actually named Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O’Brien (I’d say this is a name of extreme length) on April 16, 1939, was a British pop singer known for her distinctive mezzo-soprano voice and her contributions to pop, soul, and rhythm and blues music, she was one of the most successful British female performers of the 1960s.

Springfield began her music career with The Springfields, a pop-folk vocal trio (like many others), before pursuing a solo career.

Her first solo single, “I Only Want to Be with You” (1963), was an instant hit, establishing her as a leading pop star.

Springfield’s influence on music and her groundbreaking work in soul and pop genres have left an enduring legacy. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999, shortly after her death from breast cancer.

Son-Of-A Preacher Man was brought to a new audience in 1994 when the song appeared in the iconic film of Quentin Tarantino directed film Pulp Fiction, Quentin Tarantino has been quoted, on the “Collectors Edition” DVD of Pulp Fiction, as saying that he probably would not have filmed the scene in which the song is featured had he not been able to use it, which shows the significance and impact of the song.

Another interesting fact, the song was initially offered to Aretha Franklin, who turned it down. After Dusty Springfield’s version became a hit, Franklin recorded her own version (a VERY different style), which appeared on her 1970 album “This Girl’s in Love with You.”

You can listen to it here and decide for yourself who did it better (For me, Aretha’s version is great, but Dusty’s is iconic):