PREACHER (Scott Tuchband/Joseph Bolnick/Elliott Michaels)
Album: EARRAPE MY EYE ... THIS IS GALLEON!
By: G A L L E O N ... Sail On!
By: G A L L E O N ... Sail On!
Duration
3:12
Genres
Description
This song was written by my friends Joseph Bolnick and Scott Tuchband back in 1974. In 1976 I was a member of the Brooklyn band Firefly, in which we played this song. I liked it so much I decided to keep singing it in later bands, after I re-wrote some of the lyrics to make them make a little more sense. I believe this is a song in which the listener can take the lyrics at face value or read deeper meanings into them. As always, listen and draw your own conclusions!
Lyrics
PREACHER (Joseph Bolnick/Scott Tuchband) Fast Country in A (but not rushed!) Asus A Asus A Asus A A Asus A Asus A Asus A A E D E D A Asus A Asus A Asus A A The night was so bright, like a Broadway marquee, Asus A Asus A Asus A A And the stars, they gave way to the lights of the city. E The carnival raged all through the park, D Excitement filled the people's hearts. E And off in a corner a barker crowed, D A 'Cause he was the king of the traveling medicine show. F#m D The band played way off in the distance, F#m D You could hear those trumpets blow. A E G D Midnight was approaching, and the players would soon be going home. F#m D F#m D But the Preacher dressed in pinstripes, he had nowhere to go, A E And the only home he could call his own, Bm D A Was his traveling ... medicine show. Asus A Asus A Asus A A He said, "Step right on up here, and I'll ease your pain. Asus A Asus A Asus A A "Just drink from this bottle, you'll feel good again." E His shirt was soiled and his trousers torn, D But his style was easy and his words were warm. E All through the night he touched their souls, D A And he never did close, the traveling medicine show. F#m D The band's still playing in the distance, F#m D Can't you hear that guitar whine!? A E G D Midnight is approaching, and it soon will be closing time. F#m D F#m D But the Preacher dressed in pinstripes, still has nowhere to go, A E And the only home he can call his own, Bm D A Is his traveling ... medicine show. Here we go now ... F#m D F#m D A E G D F#m (half speed) D F#m D Yes, the Preacher dressed in pinstripes, he has nowhere to go, A (fast again) E Don't you know that the only home he can call his own, Bm D A Is his traveling ... medicine show! Asus A Asus A Asus A A And the band played on now! Asus A Asus A Asus A A (Honky-tonk piano solo extends out until end of the song)