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Introduction
“The Preacher and The Stranger” by Joey + Rory is a poignant narrative that delves deep into themes of loss, faith, and the challenging journey toward forgiveness. Featured on their 2013 album Inspired (Songs of Faith and Family), this track stands out for its storytelling and emotional depth.
The song unfolds with a preacher offering shelter to a stranger during a storm. As they converse, the preacher reveals his profound sorrow over his son’s death, expressing how this tragedy led him to question his faith. In a heart-wrenching twist, the stranger confesses to being the drunk driver responsible for the accident that took the preacher’s son’s life. This revelation brings the themes of forgiveness and redemption to the forefront, highlighting the complexities of human emotion and the power of grace.
Joey + Rory’s harmonious vocals amplify the song’s emotional resonance, drawing listeners into the narrative and prompting reflection on their own experiences with forgiveness and faith. The duo’s commitment to authentic storytelling is evident, making “The Preacher and The Stranger” a memorable and impactful piece in their repertoire.
Video
Lyrics
We don’t have much here
But you’re welcome to it all
The preacher told the stranger at the door
Come sit down by this fire
Let the coffee warm you up
I can’t see I’ve seen rain this hard before
The stranger said “I saw your sign, as I was walking down the road”
“And I figured that a church might be the safest place to go”
Well son, crosses sure get heavy
And we’ve all got one to bear
And if you’re looking for a shelter
From the storm, you’ll find one here
They sat and talked for hours
There in that empty church
About how life’s unfair sometimes
Trying to make sense of how God works
The preacher said
“I lost my son one summer,
And he was only 25
A drunk driver crossed that double yellow line
And I prayed so hard to Jesus,
To save my only son
It seems all I do these days is question why
Now I stand here every Sunday, and preach to everybody else
And I talk a lot about forgiveness, but I can’t do it myself”
Son, crosses sure get heavy
And we’ve all got one to bear
I don’t know why I’m telling you all this
Or if you even care
They sat and talked for hours
There in that empty church
About how life’s unfair sometimes
Trying to make sense of how God works
Tears filled the strangers eyes
He said “I know I’ve changed a lot
I might be hard for you to recognize
But late one summer night
I’d had too much to drink
I got behind the wheel and changed both of our lives
And ‘I’m sorry’ just ain’t good enough, when you hurt someone like that
And if I could, God knows I’d give my life to bring him back”
Preacher, crosses sure get heavy
And we’ve all got one to bear
And I’m here to ask forgiveness
If you even care
They sat and talked for hours
There in that empty church
About how life’s unfair sometimes
Trying to make sense of how God works