Preacher Man

Album: Son of a Preacher Man (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is about Rich's preacher father, of whom the Country singer sings, "seems like I spend my life, trying to live up to him."
  • Rich's partner in Big & Rich, Big Kenny Alphin, took an 18 month break for rehab of a neck injury he suffered when he was hit by a drunk driver in 2001. Rich told Billboard magazine: "That's a long time (off) for me. I had a lot of songs I'd written that would never be on a Big & Rich record, cause they're too personal to me - songs about my dad, songs about my family, songs about personal views I have. So I took that 18 months and went and recorded a solo project." That project was Son of a Preacher Man, Rich's first solo album for three years.
  • Rich told AOL's The Boot about the background of this song: "Imagine being the most hardcore, rock and roll, honkeytonk singer in Nashville... the wildest kid in town. But your dad is a fire and brimstone, Bible-banging preacher. That dynamic between me and my dad... he's never been judgmental, but I've never recorded a song that offended him. I've played him songs that he's said, 'Nah, I'd rather you not say that,' so I didn't record them. That's how much of an impact my dad has had on me. So for me -- being a guy raised in church, I've got a King James Bible in one hand and Crown Royal and Coca Cola in the other. That's just me. I'm a hell-raising Christian."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.