Like a lot of pre-dub, rocksteady tunes of the era, The Gaylettes were minimal and have touches of soul, and even doo-wop at times. They have some real sly 45s on the Hour Glass label, including a nice cover of “Son Of A Preacher Man”, and this, one of their best songs, “Here Comes That Feeling”.
-I Like Your World appeard on the compilation album Ride Your Donkey, 1969-
-Silent River (Runs Deep) appeard on the compilation album Ride Your Donkey, 1969; 1968- Jamaican hit parade chart.
Son of a Preacher Man
The Gaylettes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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'
Through the backyard, we′d go walkin′
Then he'd look into my eyes
Lord knows to my surprise
He was the son of a preacher man
The only boy who could ever reach me
He was the son of a preacher man
Yes he was, he was, oh, yes he was
Being good wasn′t always easy
No matter how hard I try
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
He was the son of a preacher man
The only guy who could ever teach me
He was the son of a preacher man
Yes, he was, he was, oh yes, he was, yes he was
How well will 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 knowledge
Lookin′ to see how much we've grown
And the only one who could ever reach me
He was the son of a preacher man
The only one who could ever reach me
He was the son of a preacher man
Yes, he was, he was, oh, yes, he was
The only one who could ever reach me
The sweet-loving son of a preacher man
The sweet-loving son of a preacher man
The sweet-loving son of a preacher man
My man, my man
The sweet-loving son of a preacher man
The Gaylettes's song "Son of a Preacher Man" tells the story of a young girl who falls in love with Billy Ray, the son of a preacher. When Billy's father visits, he brings Billy along with him and the girl and Billy start taking walks through the backyard. It is then that Billy looks into the girl's eyes and surprises her with his gaze. Although being good wasn't always easy, Billy would sweet-talk to the girl to put her at ease and steal kisses from her on the sly. They learn from each other's knowledge and grow together as a couple. The lyrics convey a sense of excitement and passion, as well as a hint of forbidden love due to Billy's status as the son of a preacher.
Line by Line Meaning
Billy Ray was a preacher′s son
This is a song about Billy Ray, who grew up with a preacher as a father.
And when his daddy would visit, he'd come along
Every time Billy Ray's dad came to visit, he would bring Billy with him.
When they gathered round and started talkin′
When the adults would start talking, Billy would get bored.
That's when Billy would take me walkin'
He would take his lover for a walk in the backyard to escape the boring adult conversations.
Through the backyard, we'd go walkin'
Billy and his lover would escape to the backyard for some private time.
Then he'd look into my eyes
Billy would gaze lovingly into his lover's eyes.
Lord knows to my surprise
His lover was surprised by how much Billy loved him.
The only one who could ever reach me
Billy's lover felt like he could only be fully understood by Billy.
He was the son of a preacher man
Even though Billy was the son of a preacher, he still had the ability to love and understand his partner.
Being good wasn't always easy
Being the son of a preacher brought pressure for Billy to always be good.
No matter how hard I try
Despite his best efforts, Billy couldn't always be good.
When he started sweet-talkin' to me
Whenever Billy's lover would sweet-talk him, he would feel reassured.
He'd come and tell me everything is all right
Billy's lover would comfort him by saying that everything will be okay.
He'd kiss and tell me everything is all right
Billy's lover would express his love by comforting him with his words and actions.
Can I get away again tonight?
They were likely engaging in a secret romance, and Billy's lover wanted to know if they could have more time together.
The only one who could ever reach me
Billy's lover was still the only one who could truly understand him.
He was the son of a preacher man
Billy's lover, despite his background, was still able to connect and love Billy.
How well will I remember
Billy's lover thinks back on their times together fondly.
The look that was in his eyes?
His lover remembers Billy looking at him with love and admiration in his eyes.
Stealin' kisses from me on the sly
They likely had to keep their romance a secret, and Billy's lover would steal kisses when no one was watching.
Takin' time to make time
They would find ways to spend time together even if it meant sneaking away.
Tellin' me that he's all mine
Billy would express his love and devotion to his partner.
Learnin' from each other's knowledge
They would share knowledge and learn from each other.
Lookin' to see how much we've grown
They would reflect on their growth as individuals and as a couple.
The sweet-loving son of a preacher man
Billy was not only the son of a preacher but also someone capable of tender and loving emotions.
My man, my man
Billy's lover declares his love and possessiveness towards him.
The sweet-loving son of a preacher man
The song ends with a reminder that Billy was both a preacher's son and a sweet-loving partner.
Writer(s): Ronnie Wilkins, John Hurley
Contributed by Kylie V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@paulselkirk2345
I like this version of the song🤩😊😎🤗
@christopherpeden547
bloody hell this is ace dare I say up there with Dusty ?
@brandonbarclay97
That's my grandma in that group
@briandavis8939
Brandon Barclay if it is then you can sing 🎤 like your grandma 👵
@Jevezy
Wow! Thanks for letting us know, you must be so proud. The Gaylettes were a great group. I am just discovering this in 2019.
@richardportman8912
Well god bless your grandma, and bless you too.
@Jevezy
You are indeed lucky!
@jimmygrail3601
Too cool !!! ❤️❤️❤️
@lennoxosborne5851
Nothing wrong with Bassline. just the the mix!! GOOD TUNE!!!
@BillyJango
I always come back to this tune. What a tune! Bass is so out of tune but it doesn't matter. it just adds to how good it is!