“The Preacher and The Stranger” by Joey + Rory Holds a Powerful Meaning

In 2013, country power couple Joey + Rory made everyone tear up after releasing their new song “The Preacher and The Stranger” as part of their album, Inspired (Songs of Faith and Family).

Since their debut in 2008 with their album The Life of A Song, the duo has continuously released chart-topping songs like “To Say Goodbye” and “Cheater, Cheater.” Their debut album immediately landed at no. 10 on the Billboard Top Country Albums charts and no. 61 on the all-genre Billboard 200, making Joey + Rory a powerful rising country duo then. 

As years passed by, they eventually released more country songs. However, in 2013, the couple decided to try something new when they released a full album inspired by songs about faith and family. The album immediately climbed the charts, landing at no. 27 on the US Country charts and no. 126 on the Billboard 200 charts. 

Among the long list of songs in their track, “The Preacher and the Stranger” is one that caught everyone’s attention. Their complementing voices indeed contributed to the success of the song, making it one of Joey + Rory’s greatest hits, but there is no denying that the meaning behind its lyrics is what captivated many. 

So, to know more about it, let us now dive into the meaning behind Joey + Rory’s song “The Preacher and The Stranger.”

Meaning Behind The Song

Written by Jerry Salley and Carl Cartee, “The Preacher and the Stranger” is a thought-provoking and non-judgmental story about a troubled preacher and a passing stranger taking refuge from a storm in a church.

The preacher shared his sorrow and bitterness at the death of his son years earlier, confessing that he prayed so hard to Jesus to save his only son. But since things didn’t turn out how he wanted them, the preacher started questioning God and his faith. 

The plot twist? The stranger turned out to be the repentant drunk driver who killed the preacher’s son. 

So, what is the meaning of the song? It’s about loss, life’s uncertainties, and the struggle people face when it comes to forgiveness and moving forward. 

If you missed out on hearing Joey + Rory’s angelic voices as they sing “The Preacher and the Stranger,” you can watch their performance below.