Arden produced 10 CDs, 17 top ten singles, earned a number of industry related awards and honors and also engages in acting, writing and charity work.
In 2009 she released her latest album, Free. In February 2007, Arden released Uncover Me, a collection of Arden's favorite songs. Uncover Me debuted at #1 on the Digital SoundScan Chart and placed 3rd on the Nielsen’s SoundScan Chart. This was Jann's highest debut to date spanning her 15 year recording career. In April 2007, Uncover Me was certified Platinum in Canada.
Led by the hit single “Bring The Boys Home,” Arden takes ownership of these personally selected tracks crafted by some of the best songwriters of our time. The tracks include everything from “You’re So Vain” (Carly Simon) to an amazing rendition of “California Dreamin’” (the Mama’s & the Papas) and the Canadian Top Ten single “At Seventeen” (Janis Ian). Arden has not forgotten her loyal fans and has included a new original track “Counterfeit Heart.”
Arden has continued to tour at an unstoppable pace. Her recent Uncover Me Tour, visited 23 cities, performing 31 shows to sold out crowds across Canada, becoming one of 2007’s most anticipated and successful tours. She return’s to USA this summer on tour with Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. This will marked her fourth outing with Bublé – having also toured Europe, Australia, and the USA in the past 18 months.
In 2006, Arden was awarded 2 Western Canadian Music Awards, including Pop Recording of the year for Jann Arden. SOCAN honoured Arden with its 2006 National Achievement Award for career success in songwriting, as well as 6 Classic Awards for singles reaching 100,000 spins on Canadian radio and 1 Pop Music Award for the single “Where No One Knows Me.”
Arden is also well known for her comedic talents, abilities as a speaker and as a bestselling author. In the Fall of 2004, Arden celebrated the publication of her second book – a collection from her popular on-line journals. i’ll tell you one damn thing, and that’s all i know! continued where her bestselling first publication, if I knew, don’t you think I’d tell you? left off (much to Arden’s surprise, her first book climbed to #3 on Canada’s Globe and Mail Non-fiction Bestseller list). Arden’s ability to candidly discuss topics ranging from bra size to spirituality has solidified her reputation of being unpredictably entertaining, which explains the sell-out crowds at the notable “My Life, My Way” and “Lifefest” speaking series, presented by Chatelaine.
Arden is no stranger to theatre, having performed in Eve Ensler’s Broadway hit, The Vagina Monologues on stages across Canada. She also returned to the Just For Laughs comedy festival in Montreal to host An Evening at Eve’s Tavern. On the screen, large and small, Arden filmed Jann Takes Manhattan (a documentary-style network television special filmed while performing in New York City), was featured in the Gemini nominated episode of the sitcom Big Sound, and was cast in the feature movies White Lies and Don’t Cry Now.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:
-Millions of records sold worldwide, with 17 top ten singles from eight albums: Time for Mercy, Living Under June, Happy?, Blood Red Cherry, Greatest Hurts–The Best of, Live With the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Love Is The Only Soldier, Jann Arden, Uncover Me and her latest release, Free.
-Winner of 8 (eight) Junos, 8 (eight) 2006 SOCAN Awards, 2 (two) 2006 Western Canadian Music Awards and many other industry accolades including a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
-Active supporter of charities including the 2007 “Cure” Foundation for Breast Cancer and is the 2007 national spokesperson for Kids Help Phone.. Arden also continues to be an active supporter of World Vision
Son Of A Preacher Man
Jann Arden Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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 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, 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 knowin'
Lookin' to see how much we're growin'
The only one who could ever reach me
Was a 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
The only one who could ever reach me
He was a sweet talkin' son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever teach me
I guess he was the son of a preacher man
The only one who could ever move me
Was the son of a preacher man
The only one who could ever groove me
Was the son of a preacher man
In Jann Arden's version of "Son of a Preacher Man", the singer reminisces about her past relationship with Billy-Ray, a preacher's son. The lyrics describe how she was initially taken aback by his charms but eventually fell for him. Despite trying to be good, she couldn't resist his sweet-talking and the connection they shared. The lyrics paint a picture of young love and the excitement and passion that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy-Ray was a preacher's son
Billy-Ray is the son of a preacher, an individual in a highly respected position in society.
And when his daddy would visit he'd come along
As the son of a preacher, Billy-Ray accompanies his father on religious duties.
When they gathered around and started talkin'
When the elders started talking about religious matters.
That's when Billy would take me walkin'
At such times, Billy-Ray would take the artist for walks.
Out through the back yard we'd go walkin'
They would walk out of the yard, away from the elders having religious conversations.
Then he'd look into my eyes
Billy-Ray makes eye contact with the singer, implying intimacy.
Lord knows to my surprise
The singer was pleasantly surprised by the intimacy she shared with Billy-Ray.
The only one who could ever reach me
Billy-Ray is the only one who can truly understand or connect with the artist.
Was the son of a preacher man
This understanding and connection comes from his unique position as a preacher's son.
The only boy who could ever teach me
The only person the artist can learn from and gain insight from is Billy-Ray.
Bein' good isn't always easy
Maintaining good behavior and living a religious life is challenging.
No matter how hard I try
The artist has made efforts to maintain good behavior despite these challenges.
When he started sweet-talkin' to me
When Billy-Ray started using affectionate language or flattery towards the singer.
He'd come and tell me everything is alright
Billy-Ray assures her that things are fine and her concerns can be ignored.
He'd kiss and tell me everything is alright
Billy-Ray would physically show his affection and assure the singer that everything is fine.
Can I get away again tonight?
The artist is asking if they can have another intimate encounter that night.
How well I remember
Recalling a past experience with fondness and vivacity.
The look that was in his eyes
The gaze that Billy-Ray gave the singer during an intimate moment.
Stealin' kisses from me on the sly
Kissing the singer clandestinely or secretly.
Takin' time to make time
Making sure to find the time to be intimate and affectionate in their relationship.
Tellin' me that he's all mine
Billy-Ray assures her that their relationship is exclusive.
Learnin' from each other's knowin'
They are gaining knowledge and learning from each other's experiences and perspectives.
Lookin' to see how much we're growin'
Assessing their progress and development as individuals and as a couple.
The only boy who could ever teach me
Again highlighting the unique teaching abilities of Billy-Ray.
I guess he was the son of a preacher man
Billy-Ray's position as a preacher's son contributed to his ability to teach the singer.
The only one who could ever move me
Billy-Ray is the only one capable of making the singer feel strong emotions, particularly romantic love.
The only one who could ever groove me
Again highlighting Billy-Ray's unique talents and abilities in relationship with the singer.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Hurley, Ronnie Wilkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind