Lyr Req: The Preacher and the Bear

Subject: Preacher and the bear
From:
Date: 21 Feb 98 - 11:11 AM

There is a song that starts: A preacher went huntin' one Sunday mornin' and it certainly was agin' his will. He took along a shotgun For to kill him a couple of quail. Well, he killed an eagle, and he killed an owl and I think he killed a hare But on his way returnin' home, he met a grizzly bear.

I only heard it from my now dead grandfather. I was 15 and overseas when he died. He was from the deep south and sang this song as "A 'N*****" went huntin' one Sunday mornin'", but I heard somewhere that it was really written about a preacher (which would make more sense.) I have been unable to find the words, and have forgotten a few verses.

Anyone else know of it? Would like to pass down the CORRECT version to my kids (little revisionist history) telling them this was sung by their great grandfather whom they never met.

Thanx - - -

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From:
Date: 19 May 98 - 11:19 PM

I first heard the song from the Serendipity singers on one of their albums in the 60's. The lyrics are pretty close to what they had.

I also ran across a 30's or 40's version that had a different melody and some different lyrics, but obviously the same song.

Maybe it was on a Django Reinhardt and Stephan Grappelli tape I have, but I'm not sure.

Best bet to get the song is on the Serendipity singers album. I also saw an album by another singer that had it on when I searched on"Preacher and the Bear" on Metacrawler. I'm trying to get the lyrics myself...great song!

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From:
Date: 19 May 98 - 11:25 PM

(Cont) Well the Preacher went out a walkin', it was on one Sunday morn. 'Corse it was 'gin his religion but he took his gun along. Now he shot himself some mighty fine quail and one little measely hare. And on his way back, returnin' home, he met a great big grizzly bear.

Now the bear sat down in the middle of the road lookin' mean as he could be. And the Preacher commenced to shakin' as he climbed up a 'simmons tree. Now the bear stood up and rolled his eyes and shook that ugly head. And when the Preacher began to pray, now these were the words he said, "Oh Lord, you delivered Daniel from the lion's den. Delivered Jonah, from the belly of the whale and then, the Hebrew chillin' from the fiery furnace so the good book do declare, but Lord, Lord, if you won't help me..... Goodness sake don't you help that bear.....

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From: Joe Offer
Date: 19 May 98 - 11:32 PM

Look right here at Mudcat for the lyrics. It made the 10/97 update of the database.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From: Bill in Alabama
Date: 22 May 98 - 12:55 PM

I believe that the lyrics have been listed within the past year or so; I remember posting them for someone.

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From:
Date: 26 Jul 00 - 04:11 PM

Still looking for ALL the verses of Preacher and the Bear

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From: Joe Offer
Date: 26 Jul 00 - 04:38 PM

We have versions of the song in our database here (click) and here (click). Were there more verses we don't know about? Can you give us an idea of the gist of those verses?
-Joe Offer (also sent lyrics by e-mail)-

Subject: RE: Preacher and the bear
From:
Date: 12 Oct 02 - 11:23 PM

I remember this song from my childhood although I am only 31 years young. I ask my husband who has been raised around Christian music all of his life if he had ever heard it. He replied no that he never had with a laugh. In just one instant my son giggled and said mom teach me that song. So on the net I went to find this old time classic. Thanks a million. I am glad to know the oldies are still there. Grace Phillips