'Rattlesnake Preacher' by Ashley McBryde – Lyrics & Meaning

Ashley McBryde's latest release has apparently been a long time coming.

According to the 'One Night Standards' star, her new single, ‘Rattlesnake Preacher’, has been one she's spent plenty of time with throughout the years, on and off stage. She has thankfully decided to share it with us all now.

“‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ has been a staple in our live show since the bar days, and we’ve constantly been asked by fans when it’ll make it onto a record,” the artist shared in a press release. “As we were gearing up for my second year of co-hosting CMA Fest, it felt like the perfect time to finally get this one out there. It’s my way of saying thank you to the fans who have shown up, listened and gave this song life long before it was ever recorded.”

The fiery tune is a treat as it marks McBryde's first official taste of new music in 2025, the single following up last year's beloved 'Ain't Enough Cowboy Songs.'

‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ sounds as fervent as its message, like the hell-fired tune itself was hurled from a foaming mouth behind a sweltering pulpit.

Screaming to life with the sharp pulls of a fiddle, the searing Southern rock number soon erupts into a sermon of electric riffs and thundering rhythms, neon flourishes of guttural steel and heavenly organ occasionally peppering the mix.

By the intro, this symphony of sounds has built up and died away, allowing McBryde's stern vocals to punch through, straight to the heart of her rapt parishioners.

"My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
My daddy was a man of God
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
In south Alabama"

‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ is a song about familial pride. While not penned by Ashley McBryde, the song boldly showcases the respect the songwriter had for their father, a man of great faith.

This father was apparently a pastor, who regularly practiced the act of "taking up serpents," or snake handling. This is an increasingly rare practice in certain Christian denominations, such as Pentecostal or Holiness sects, that dot the Southern, Appalachian, and more rural regions of the United States.

Snake handling is an act of faith, based on the belief that true followers of Christ can hold such venomous reptiles without any harm befalling the believer.

This comes from the book of Mark – chapter 16, verses 17 and 18, specifically – where it is written: "[17] And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; [18] they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Some denominations interpret this text from the Holy Bible quite literally, leading to practices like the speaking of tongues; the laying of hands; the drinking of poisons, like strychnine; and here, the taking up of serpents.

"He knew the Good Book real good
And knew the bad all too well
He spent his life rattling cages
And running that Devil’s ass back to hell"

The songwriter's father was this man of unflinching belief, someone who let the "Good Book," or the Holy Bible, inform him all his life. The chorus explains further: "My daddy was the Devil’s undertaker / My dad was a saver of souls." He was a preacher who spewed hellfire and brimstone, leading his congregants away from sin and unto the salvation.

This man was by no means perfect. He had his own faults and vices. In the song, McBryde sings how he had "Firewater on his breath," and how while inebriated, he was frequently "Spittin’ 90-proof truth to a tent full of sinners / ‘Til there wasn’t one single unsaved soul left, son."

Even still, he was on a mission to spread the Good Word and lead as many folks as he could from temptation.

"I tell my boy all about his Papaw
How to learn how to chase the devil away
Someday I’ll lay a rattlesnake down
So he can pick it up, shake it at a sinner, and say"

The songwriter is proud of the person that raised them, carrying their father with them always.

In this way, ‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ is more of a song about the love one has for a parent rather than just faith alone. It's a song of heritage and culture and being proud of where – and who – you came from.

"Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
My daddy told me so"

‘Rattlesnake Preacher’ was written by the late Randall Clay, a friend and frequent collaborator of McBryde's. The song's release not only showcases McBryde's ability to make a song her own, but it, more importantly, honors the legacy of someone who has meant so much to her on her journey to the top.

“I’ve written nearly every song on all my records, so when I cut one I didn’t write, it means something,” McBryde said of the song in a statement. “Randall was part of a group of songwriters that helped me write some of the most formative songs of my career, and his songs will always find a home with me to continue his legacy.”

My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
My daddy was a man of God
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
In south Alabama

He knew the Good Book real good
And knew the bad all too well
He spent his life rattling cages
And running that Devil’s ass back to hell

My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
My daddy was a man of God
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
In south Alabama
My daddy was the Devil’s undertaker
My dad was a saver of souls
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
Just like his daddy before him was

He was all fire and brimstone
Firewater on his breath
Spittin’ 90-proof truth to a tent full of sinners
‘Til there wasn’t one single unsaved soul left son

My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
My daddy was a man of God
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
In south Alabama
My daddy was the Devil’s undertaker
My daddy was a saver of souls
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
Just like his daddy before him was

I tell my boy all about his Papaw
How to learn how to chase the devil away
Someday I’ll lay a rattlesnake down
So he can pick it up, shake it at a sinner, and say

My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
My daddy was a man of God
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
In south Alabama (Alabama!)
My daddy was the Devil’s undertaker
My daddy was a saver of souls
My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher
Just like his daddy before him was

Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
Yes, Jesus loves me
My daddy told me so

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