Preachin' Blues
Derek Trucks Lyrics
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I'm goin' get me religion, I'm goin' join the baptist church
You know I wanna be a baptist preacher, so I won't have to work
One sister jumped up, she began to shout
One sister jumped up, she began to shout
She said I'm so glad, that corn liquor goin' out
One deacon jumped up, said sister why don't you hush
Know you drink corn liqour and your lie's a horrible stink - ???
Well I wish I had, wish I had a heaven of my own
Well I wish I had, wish I had a heaven of my own
You know I'd give all my women a long and happy home
Well I'm goin' get me religion, I'm goin' join the baptist church
I'm goin' get me religion, I'm goin' join the baptist vchurch
You know I wanna be a baptist preacher, so I won't have to work
I won't have to work, won't have to work, won't have to work
Yeah
The lyrics of Derek Trucks's "Preachin' Blues" reflect the southern African American religious landscape of the early 20th century. The singer of the song is seeking religious salvation and wants to become a Baptist preacher in order to avoid having to work. This can be interpreted as a critique of the economic and social conditions of the time, in which many African Americans struggled to make ends meet and sought solace in religion. The line, "You know I wanna be a Baptist preacher, so I won't have to work," suggests that the singer sees religious work as easier than other types of labor.
The rest of the lyrics describe a church service where different members of the congregation express their spiritual experiences. One sister is excited that "corn liquor" is going out, suggesting a rejection of alcohol consumption as part of her religious beliefs. Another deacon rebukes her for her hypocrisy, implying that she drinks despite her religious conviction to abstain. The singer then expresses his desire for his own heaven, where he can take care of all his women. The song ends with a repetition of the desire to join the Baptist church and become a preacher, suggesting that this is the path to salvation for the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm goin' get me religion, I'm goin' join the baptist church
The singer plans to find a new spiritual path and become part of the baptist church.
You know I wanna be a baptist preacher, so I won't have to work
The singer wants to become a baptist preacher to avoid physical labor and live a more comfortable life.
One sister jumped up, she began to shout
A woman in the audience stood up and began shouting.
She said I'm so glad, that corn liquor goin' out
The woman who shouted is happy that corn liquor will no longer be available or consumed by the community.
Well another deacon jumped up, said sister why don't you hush
Another member of the church stood up and scolded the shouting woman for making noise.
Know you drink corn liqour and your lie's a horrible stink - ????
The deacon accuses the woman of lying and her alcohol consumption as the reason her breath stinks.
Well I wish I had, wish I had a heaven of my own
The singer wishes they had a place to call their own in the afterlife, separate from the collective.
You know I'd give all my women a long and happy home
The artist would provide all of their loved ones with a comfortable and secure home if they had their own private heaven.
I won't have to work, won't have to work, won't have to work
The artist emphasizes that their goal is to become a baptist preacher to avoid physical labor and live an easier life.
Contributed by Kylie N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@natecalhoun4427
Derek Trucks keepin' blues guitar alive and well into the 21st Century!
@markhoffman2237
Incredible! Warren and the T.T. Band is one of the greatest blues combinations I've ever heard. Just wow!
@tommonfron5166
Derek's tone is godly
@allanbriggs9007
This is great.
@rivernole
Doesn't get any better than this!
@scot2691
Not being a huge fan of the Mule I forget that Warren can really sing and he and Derek together are pure synergy. Thanks guys
@williamhoey6900
This right here, is pure amazing
@lauracole5406
Awesome work you two !! I loved it ! Derek in the zone with his guitar & Warren singing them Blues ..beautiful ring to it !!
@sgorneau
I just can't get enough of you guys.
@mikerowland8961
Some of the classiest musicians around!