Son Of A Preacher Man
Amy Chappell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
and when his daddy had visit he'd come alone
and then they'd gather around and started talkin'
that's when Billy would take me walkin'
and to the backyard we'd go walkin'
and then he'd look into my eyes
Lord knows to my surprise
the only one who could ever reach me
the only boy who could ever teach me
was the son of a preacher man
yes he was, he was, oh 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 alright
he'd kiss and tell me everything is alright
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, oh yes he was
how am I remember
the look was in his eyes
stealin kisses from me on the side
takin time to make time
telling me that he's all mine
heard it from each others knowin
lookin to see how much we'd 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 talking son of a preacher man
was the son of a preacher man
sweet talking son of a preacher man
was the son of a preacher man
was the son of a preacher man
end
The lyrics to Amy Chappell's "Son Of A Preacher Man" describe a young woman's romantic relationship with Billy Rae, the son of a preacher. They would meet in secret when Billy's father had visitors, retreating to the backyard where Billy would look into the woman's eyes and steal kisses. Despite her attempts to be good, the woman falls for Billy's sweet talk and finds herself unable to resist his charm.
The lyrics capture the thrilling and dangerous quality of a secret romance, where the forbidden nature of the relationship only adds to its intensity. The use of religious imagery adds another layer of complexity to the song, implying that the woman's desire for Billy is sinful and taboo. Overall, the song presents a vivid and emotionally charged picture of a young woman's awakening to love and desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy Rae was a preachers son
The boy named Billy Rae came from a family of religious leaders.
and when his daddy had visit he'd come alone
During his father's visits, Billy Rae would come alone to meet the singer.
and then they'd gather around and started talkin'
The group would congregate and begin their discussion.
that's when Billy would take me walkin'
It was during this time that Billy would invite the artist to go for a walk with him.
and to the backyard we'd go walkin'
The duo would venture into the backyard during their walks.
and then he'd look into my eyes
Billy would stare into the singer's eyes with affection.
Lord knows to my surprise
The singer was caught off guard by Billy's actions.
the only one who could ever reach me
Billy had a special quality that allowed him to connect with the artist on a deep level.
was the son of a preacher man
This quality was due to his upbringing as a preacher's son.
the only boy who could ever teach me
Billy was also a valuable teacher for the artist.
Being good isn't always easy
Living a virtuous life can be challenging at times.
no matter how hard I try
Even with the artist's best efforts,
when he started sweet talkin to me
Billy's sweet words and gestures had an irresistible effect on the singer.
he'd come and tell me everything is alright
Billy would comfort the singer by saying that everything was okay.
he'd kiss and tell me everything is alright
Billy would also show his affection for the singer through physical acts of love and reassurance.
can I get away again tonight
The artist longed to escape with Billy again that very night.
how am I remember
The artist recalls their past experiences.
the look was in his eyes
The singer remembers the way Billy gazed at them with love and admiration.
stealin kisses from me on the side
Billy would sneak kisses with the singer when no one was looking.
takin time to make time
Billy made a conscious effort to prioritize spending time with the artist, despite his other obligations.
telling me that he's all mine
Billy would reassure the artist that their relationship was exclusive and special.
heard it from each others knowin
They both knew and acknowledged their strong emotional connection.
lookin to see how much we'd grown
The singer reflects on how much they've both grown and changed since the start of their relationship.
he was the sweet talking son of a preacher man
Billy's charm and eloquence resulted from his upbringing as a preacher's son.
was the son of a preacher man
This attribute was an essential part of Billy's character.
sweet talking son of a preacher man
Billy's gentle, persuasive words were a hallmark of his character.
was the son of a preacher man
The singer recognizes that this attribute was a significant factor in their relationship with Billy.
was the son of a preacher man
The song ends by reemphasizing this essential aspect of Billy's identity.
Contributed by Benjamin R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.