Aretha Franklin - Son Of A Preacher Man Lyrics






Billy Ray was a preacher's son
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
When they gathered around and starting 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 preacherman
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacherman
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?

The only one who could ever reach me
Was the son of a preacherman
The only boy who can ever teach me
Was the son of a preacherman
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes 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 preacherman
The only boy who could ever teach me
Was the son of a preacherman
Yes he was, he was, ooh, yes he was

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

(The only one who could ever reach me)
Was the sweet-talkin' son of a preacherman





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Aretha Franklin Son Of A Preacher Man Comments
  1. R.... V....

    Aretha & Dusty,I absolutely LOVE. THE BOTH OF THESE WOMEN childhood memories,I was always into music,from LED ZEPPLIN TO IKE&TINA TURNER TO DEEP PURPLE AND AL GREEN. ( better mention my Latin music or my 95 year old dad will "let me have it" lol)

  2. S.... P....

    its 2019. The world is full of crappy music. This song.. this beautiful piece of art just made me cry for joy.

  3. w.... ....

    Damn! I miss her terribly.

  4. L.... ....

    Yes queen sing it!!!

  5. T.... G....

    SOULJAH

    T.... G....

    TUFF GONG GB Irie !!!!

    T.... G....

    @Vladimir Alvarez JAHBLESS

    T.... G....

    Vladimir Marley JAHBLESS

  6. r.... c....

    Who doesn't like this? What the problem here?

  7. G.... ....

    This song was released in the 70s after Dusty's

  8. s.... b....

    Like Dusty's, Aretha's voice, gives me chills.

  9. M.... ....

    Wonderful version. Love it. Real soul! Love it 🤗

  10. D.... L....

    .. sounds like she was singing about the father of her 1st child - Aretha's father, the preacher🤔

  11. B.... M....

    This singing work here is amazing
    rock on aretha and dusty memories will live for ever
    RIP Queen !

  12. T.... B....

    Rip. You will never be forgotten for the amazing things you did in life.
    'Sock it to me!' Gotta love the '60s! :D
    RIP Queen !

  13. b.... u....

    I'm with Mondez, different styles but both good in their own ways.
    Click play and close your eyes and get consumed by Perfection

  14. k.... ....

    I love me some Aretha Franklin, but I like Bobby Gentry's version of this song better.

  15. A.... J....

    Hearing this for the first time after listening to Dusty for years. Didn’t get into it at first, but Aretha’s bridge here is a knockout

  16. g.... r....

    This woman can put goose bumps on a man with that voice. She could flat lay it down!!

  17. T.... B....

    1:12-1:17 "Sock it to me"
    I loved it! XD
    RIP Queen !
    She is Best of the best of the best madonna is a child compared to her O.O

  18. A.... R....

    Who is this Billy that got with both Arethra and Dusty?

    A.... R....

    He got with Bobby Gentry also. lol.

  19. P.... L....

    'Sock it to me!' Gotta love the '60s! :D
    Long live the queen! RIP Aretha Franklin <3
    Dusty had the more iconic version when you think of this song her version is what you hear.

  20. I.... V....

    Dusty had the more iconic version when you think of this song her version is what you hear.

  21. c.... h....

    Go ahead Aretha!!!!!
    'Sock it to me!' Gotta love the '60s! :D

  22. M.... I....

    A pure vocal talent that never needed the touch of auto-tune.

  23. C.... L....

    My Queen 💕

  24. S.... N....

    This version is so flat and boring! No rhythm or depth to it and just sounds messy.

  25. a.... ....

    that ‘haleluya’ in the end just rips me apart omg. aretha totally killed it. no sense in comparing aretha and dusty, both are genious artists with their own style and sound. thanks for sharing.

  26. C.... C....

    The hallelujah, the way she reworked the bridge... Aretha truly was the Queen.

  27. S.... ....

    Depends if you like your music to take your loins and toss you like a rag doll or facilitate shopping in a mall. Like comparing a wedding banquet to a bowl of tapioca, perhaps with a dollop of your favourite jam. Don't get me wrong: I like shopping and, while not keen on tapioca, I like a nice rice pudding.

  28. R.... ....

    I love the both versions (Aretha and Dusty), but the Aretha version has something different, I can feel her soul in the music.

  29. A.... S....

    I Love You ReRe!❤Rest Up🙏🏽!

  30. J.... T....

    This is dope

  31. M.... H....

    Let's go Retha

  32. S.... W....

    Dusty's version is unique, and so is Aretha's. They stand side by side in their greatness.

  33. p.... 6....

    Can you imagine the 6os with Justin Bieber and Taylor swift singing to the multitudes?

  34. J.... M....

    Aretha has a couple different versions of this song, and the other version is much more like Dusty's version. Dusty does a great job, but Aretha is the Queen of Soul.

  35. J.... L....

    DISFRUTE EN MI JUVENTUD DE LA MAS GRANDE Y AUN LO HAGO.( SON OF A PREACHER MAN ) MI FAVORITA.MIENTRAS VIVA TE ESCUCHARE.AHORA EL CIELO DISFRUTA TUS CANCIONES !!!GRACIAS POR TANTO ARETHA.

  36. S.... L....

    RIP one of my favorites

  37. C.... A....

    goodbye and god speed Aretha,rest in peace....you will be missed

  38. L.... C....

    Aretha understands

  39. G.... M....

    She is the QUEEN!

  40. L.... B....

    Eat your heart out, Dusty! RIP, Aretha!

    L.... B....

    Leigh Burton why? Dusty’s version is THE iconic version.

  41. M.... B....

    Beautiful rendition

  42. 1.... ....

    Aretha's point of reference was always the church and her love for God, this reduction is a great example of this. I don't believe that the greatest amounts us rest, they continue to work for God, until the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, on that note hope to hear your beautiful voice praising God in another lifetime🙏🙏🙏

  43. S.... S....

    RIP Aretha.

  44. s.... c....

    rock on aretha and dusty memories will live for ever

  45. p.... ....

    Dusty could sing gospel but Aretha was a gospel singer. Dusty will always be my favourite singer but I so enjoy Aretha's performances.

  46. c.... ....

    Rest in peace beautiful Queen of Soul

  47. Z.... H....

    good bye

  48. J.... C....

    💚💚💚

  49. L.... W....

    Surely youtube can drop their adds after the loss of a soul legend for the day at least

  50. J.... L....

    I'd like to ask everyone to say a prayer for Mrs Franklin tonight. May she rest in peace and DAMN sure never be forgotten!!. God has called another angel home 🙏 😢😢

  51. E.... M....

    Long live the queen! RIP Aretha Franklin <3

  52. M.... ....

    RIP to a Legend

  53. w.... !....

    RIP you angel

  54. M.... ....

    Rip. You will never be forgotten for the amazing things you did in life.

  55. G.... L....

    A goddess. Rest In Peace.

  56. D.... D....

    Requiescat In Pace, you beautiful soul. You will be truly missed.

  57. R.... ....

    Goodbye Aretha.

  58. m.... ....

    RIP 🙏

  59. N.... C....

    Thank you r.i.p

  60. M.... C....

    Rip love 😘😇🙌

  61. A.... D....

    Who’s here after her death ??

  62. s.... ....

    RIP great talent !

  63. T.... N....

    RIP Aretha!

  64. R.... P....

    Rest in Peace Queen.. ✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️

  65. z.... z....

    RIP Queen of Soul.

  66. F.... D....

    Good bye princess :( You'll always be a legend!

  67. a.... k....

    RIP Queen !

  68. C.... B....

    Descansa en paz reina del soul...
    😢

  69. D.... V....

    RIP Aretha Franklin

  70. J.... W....

    Dusty interpreted this song and it was great. This version is something else as is everything this woman did around this time in her career. There's no singer in the world that touches her or touches this. I remember when Whitney Houston was compared to her in the 80s and I just laughed and laughed and laughed.

  71. A.... D....

    the best voice

  72. E.... R....

    Diva music, em um bom português! Uma celebridade da música negra americana! Sensacional

  73. P.... G....

    Lyrics

    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'n 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, yes 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

    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

    Was the sweet-talkin' son of a preacher man

  74. t.... ....

    Dusty was and is the best white British female singer ever, she had real soul, but Aretha IS soul, straight from the black church, this is the gospel version, Dusty's is as good but not gospel and not meant to be.

    t.... ....

    thecatsaton2mats You got that right!!!! Tell these young bozos! They dont know shit. Everything they do is just ass backwards.

    t.... ....

    That’s all well and good, but Dusty’s version is far more catchy.

  75. L.... R....

    Aretha was offered this song prior to Dusty and turned it down. Ultimate compliment to Dusty that she decided to record it after hearing Dusty's version and loving it. Of course, she put the RE RE on it and made it her own, like all the greats do.

    L.... R....

    Yes and in the documentary Just Dusty, Dusty Springfield points out the genius of Ms. Franklin's version, returning the compliment. Love that...

    L.... R....

    Aretha always made EVERYTHING her own. Dusty made her name known by taking on R&B and Pop and still making it sound real. She was white, English, and lesbian....so she had her own walls to climb. Thank the gods for both of these women.

    L.... R....

    Сара Коннор всех победила и научила

    L.... R....

    What does it mean to put th "re re" ?

    L.... R....

    Sock it to me...

  76. I.... M....

    Click play and close your eyes and get consumed by Perfection

  77. C.... S....

    Her voice is just.. wow <3 <3 <3 <3

  78. D.... J....

    I'm with Mondez, different styles but both good in their own ways.

  79. M.... M....

    This singing work here is amazing

  80. b.... v....

    Go ahead Aretha!!!!!

  81. C.... i....

    Which version came first? This one or dusty?

    C.... i....

    +Currently in Radley Aretha was originally supposed to record it, but refused. So Dusty did instead, and Aretha recorded her version after listening.

    C.... i....

    dusty-aretha turned it down, then did it after her close friend

  82. M.... T....

    'Sock it to me!' Gotta love the '60s! :D

    M.... T....

    Margaret Tudor it was realised in the 70s and Dusty's song was realised in 60s

  83. O.... L....

    Her sister Erma's version is nicer, I think. Aretha really shines when the song slows down though...wow.

  84. N.... Y....

    This really sounds very different from Dusty's version so I don't know why people even try to compare. They are just so different in their interpretations. Both are beautiful in their own ways. Music, like life, does not have to be an either or situation.

    N.... Y....

    So agreed. Love both. Aretha was like Hendrix in her improve super range like you can't fathom.......Dusty was like Clapton....perfect....never over the line and wonderful. They were two ends of the spectrum...how lucky are we that we have both versions from these wonderful women!!!! Life is good.

    N.... Y....

    well said

    N.... Y....

    yes much agreed, with art and life and beauty, and good music especially, its not a competition or sport. both can be appreciated

    N.... Y....

    @Neesha Hannibal Really! cant find on Youtube, can you share it? 📢

    N.... Y....

    @Fre Lac it seems to me that you have no creativity!!

  85. R.... M....

    fantastisch na al die jaren

  86. R.... M....

    fantastisch na al die jaren

  87. L.... T....

    Dusty did it better she had a bit of subtle soul
    On my opinion this is over the top

    L.... T....

    +laila abdul Different tastes.

    L.... T....

    +laila abdul i actually agree, aretha franklin is and was a super talented singer and has that huge powerfull voice some black female singers have,

    but dustys version is just right, its chilled out in all the right ways,

  88. E.... A....

    she sounds like a daughter of preacher man. Did Aretha Franklin get a sex change or is she a cross dresser.

    E.... A....

    +Edward Atwell not that disrespectful pls

    E.... A....

    +Edward Atwell seriously, you do not have to disrespect the artist just because you do not appreaciate the music or effort.

    E.... A....

    +Edward Atwell Whoa. Way to disrespect a legend. And what did you do with your life compared to Aretha's? Not much I'm sure.

    E.... A....

    NO, she's the Daughter of a PREACHER MAN singing about the Son of a PREACHER MAN; too CUTE♥️♥️♥️

    E.... A....

    Edward Atwell she was neither Aretha was a natural woman So take your disrespectful comment and shove it where the sun don't shine

  89. j.... C....

    Good song

  90. i.... ....

    jump scare at 2:15

  91. C.... ....

    1:12-1:17 "Sock it to me"
    I loved it! XD

  92. L.... P....

    i think she overcooks it. that said, she is such an amazing singer. and just to note: aretha was a huge fan of dusty's version. so much so in fact, that when they met by chance in an elevator, Aretha reached over and said one word about her (dusty's) original recording :  "girl!"  ... also, Aretha had turned down the song prior, and recorded hers after Dusty's.

    L.... P....

    @Liam Passmore Well she doesn't '' over cook it'' she tells a story with it, makes you think she knew the son of a preacher man personally, she makes it personal, it's called black women and traditional gospell. Which is where she wanted to take us, something not to many except Aretha and those style of singers can do! That being said I love Dustys version, but the way Aretha sings it, '' the only boy who could ever reach you was the son of a preacher man!

    L.... P....

    I Love Aretha Franklin I also love this all too but for some reason I like Dusty's version better

  93. L.... �....

    my favorite song

  94. L.... N....

    This is singing.  Miss Aretha is clear, passionate, and direct.  I have always loved her version of this song. Those pipes are majestic.  And 45 years later it sounds as fresh and dynamic as back then.  As the old folks say LAWD HAM MERCY

  95. v.... ....

    To Erez Cohen, Are you on drugs????????????
    No seriously are you on drugs, The DRUUGGZZ.
    Aretha's voice is double the music that Tina used. No disrespect to Tina. she is what she is in her own respect but she can't reach the height that is Aretha!!!!! Have a nice day!

    v.... ....

    valiantve4 Tell these bum bozo ass clowns!!!!

  96. Y.... S....

    For all you  people fighting over what version is best Aretha or Dusty what I have come to lean whatever version you hear first is usually the version you like.  Nice song this is  but it was Dusty's version I heard first for many years so that is my huckleberry.

    Y.... S....

    Dude she took this song to another level. She literally made this to a "gospel" song. But also she add swag to the song.

    Y.... S....

    I agree with this, my favorite is Dusty's and that was the first one I heard

    Y.... S....

    Hoping not to sound racist but to me this song has to much jive to it. Dusty had a more smooth tone for the song.

    Y.... S....

    @Mattthezombie sixetynine it is not racist. You are fine.

    Y.... S....

    I read that even Dusty said that Aretha's version was so much better than hers.

  97. O.... A....

    Love the Queen but I prefer Dusty's version.

  98. A.... M....

    She is Best of the best of the best madonna is a child compared to her O.O

  99. M.... a....

    I absolutely love Aretha and her voice is beyond compare...having said that..I do not like her version of this song.  Dusty's version is faster paced and a more simple version without trying to hit every note in the scale for a simple phrase.  I know there will be haters for this opinion but as I said I do love Arethas music so hate away.

    M.... a....

    Ilaadrien Evenstarr

    OMG I so agree with everything you said here!I think Aretha Franklin is a legend beyond compare!
    BUT.... this is the first time i heard this version and after knowing dusty's all my life,this seems to be about the vocal ability, not the content of the song, basically,I believe the only boy who COULD ever teach dusty WAS the son of a preacher man(she convinced me in the song and performance) and the only man who could teach aretha was a vocal coach!
    I am sorry too if this offends someone out there,but soooo many singers nowadays follow the path of  (sing this through the scales) " I can siiiiing thhiiiiiiisss HIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH,and now this LOOOOOOOW, so thaaaaaat meeeeeeeaaaaaaannsss IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII must be greayeayeayeateaaaaahhhh"
    and can't "put a song over,perform it or convince the listener of what they are saying.

    I know when I'm going to enjoy a song I'm hearing for the first time because I'm hooked on what the singer is saying from the very first line, A lot of people listen to music but have never heard the song they've  listening to a thousand times! especially youngsters who haven't a lot of life experience,that's why IMO most music is rubbish today compared to when artists could perform a song.
    anyone who doubts this look up sammy davis junior performing mr bojangles( to me he IS mr bojangles during the song)
    anyway,got that off me chest,thanks for your comment!
    Dan

    M.... a....

    @TNO73 It is not faith in Rolling Stone Magazine; the Rolling Stone writers (and music critics) just happen to agree with me.  And on this one, the Queen of Soul, I think that they are right.
     

    M.... a....

    @Dan Allured Thank you Dan. I appreciate what you have said.  I also love Dusty Springfield.  Yes, it is sad that we did lose the vocal ability with younger singers.  I wish that vocalists would have kept working on singing ability along with rap and hip hop.  There is no comparison.  I am glad to have been a part of the Golden era of music: Motown, Aretha, Teddy Pendergrass, Donna Summer, Darryl Hall, Chicago, Michael McDonald, Chaka Kahn, Prince, Earth, Wind and Fire, Beatles, Elvis, Barbara, Mariah, Elton...the list goes on.  What amazing musical talent this country and England have given the world!  I am grateful for YouTube and CD's.  It allows me to keep my sanity and listen to the greatest pop/r & b music that was produced.

    M.... a....

    if you only Knew how many hours I spend skimming through YouTube downloading songs from my youth, and beyond...(or I could try to convince you that I'm still IN my youth...but nah....) anyway I have over four thousand songs downloaded and still going strong...I make Cd's for my truck and I even go out and download radio commercials from the 70's and throw them on the Cd along with quick 70's news spots...voilà - I am back in my youth again :D 

    M.... a....

    Horace and llaadrien

    I know exactly what you both mean! Lol, i wasn't born till 71 but was brought up listening to mum and dads collections of music and my older brothers, so grew up loving the music from 50's and 60's, i'm a vocalist myself now and on saturday night was complimented on "being born to sing 50's ballads" by the landlord of the club!
    Youtube has become my no1 goto site for inspiration and performance tips.
    Or if i just feel down, stick on judith durham and her voice soothes my soul!!
    Best wishes to you both.
    Dan.