Preacher

Album: Native (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder was raised by an extended family of missionaries and pastors. This song tells the tale of his preacher grandfather.
  • Tedder wrote the song in less than 15 minutes while on a plane after OneRepublic bass player Brent Kutzie did the music. "In 10 minutes I wrote him back and said, 'I've already written it,'" Tedder told Radio.com. "That was one of the last songs we finished for the album in New Orleans and we brought a four-person choir from the French Quarter."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

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

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.