Ashley McBryde’s latest single, "Rattlesnake Preacher," has finally made its long-awaited studio debut, much to the delight of fans who have cherished the song during her live performances for years. The track, which has been a staple in McBryde’s shows since her early bar days, was officially released on June 26, 2025, coinciding with her second year co-hosting the CMA Fest. This timing was no accident; McBryde expressed that it felt like the perfect moment to share the song with a wider audience as a thank-you to those who have supported it from the beginning.
“'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,” McBryde said 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 song was written by Randall Clay, McBryde’s late friend and frequent collaborator who passed away in 2018. For McBryde, recording a song she did not write is a rarity and holds deep significance. “I’ve written nearly every song on all my records, so when I cut one I didn’t write, it means something,” she shared. “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.”
Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, who previously worked with McBryde on 2022’s Lindeville, "Rattlesnake Preacher" captures the fiery energy and raw emotion the song radiates in live shows. McBryde’s band, Deadhorse, backed the recording, which opens with sharp fiddle pulls and white-hot electric guitar riffs, building into a Southern rock-infused anthem. The mix includes throbbing rhythms, neon flashes of steel guitar, and soulful organ notes, all complementing McBryde’s gritty, powerful vocals.
The lyrics tell the story of a man described as a "rattlesnake preacher," a term referring to a preacher in Southern and Appalachian Pentecostal or Holiness sects who practices snake handling as a demonstration of faith. This practice, while rare and controversial, is rooted in a literal interpretation of Mark 16:17-18 from the Bible, which speaks of believers taking up serpents without harm. The song’s protagonist is McBryde’s father figure, a man of unyielding faith who combined fiery sermons with human flaws.
“My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher / My daddy was a man of God / My daddy was a rattlesnake preacher / In south Alabama,” McBryde sings in the chorus. The song portrays a man who, despite his imperfections—“Firewater on his breath,” as the lyrics note—dedicated his life to saving souls and battling sin. “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 song continues, illustrating a figure both fierce and flawed.
McBryde’s performance of "Rattlesnake Preacher" at the 2025 CMA Fest, held at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium from June 5 to June 8, was met with enthusiasm. The festival, dubbed “The Music Event of Summer,” featured over 30 acts, including heavyweights like Luke Bryan, Kelsea Ballerini, and Keith Urban. McBryde, clad in an all-black outfit with leather pants and a tank top, stormed the stage with her electric guitar and signature rock-tinged vocals, delivering a scintillating rendition of the song that captured the crowd's attention.
The CMA Fest special aired nationally on ABC on June 26 at 8 p.m. ET and was made available on-demand via Hulu the following day. This marked the 19th consecutive year the Country Music Association produced the summer concert TV special, and the 22nd year of its televised airing. McBryde’s role as co-host for the second year running further cemented her rising profile in the country music scene.
Beyond the stage, McBryde’s connection to the song and its writer is deeply personal. Randall Clay was more than a collaborator; he was a friend who helped shape some of her most formative work. By recording "Rattlesnake Preacher," McBryde honors his memory and ensures his songwriting legacy continues. The song’s themes of faith, heritage, and familial pride resonate strongly with McBryde’s own story and artistic identity.
“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,” McBryde sings, highlighting the passage of tradition and belief across generations.
McBryde’s recent achievements include receiving an honorary doctorate of music from Arkansas State University, a testament to her impact and artistry. Her most recent album, The Devil I Know, was released in 2023, and she continues to tour extensively, bringing her authentic storytelling and powerful performances to fans nationwide.
“Rattlesnake Preacher” stands as a fiery tribute to a complex figure—a man of faith, flaws, and fierce love—embodied through McBryde’s dynamic voice and compelling storytelling. It’s a song that bridges personal history and cultural tradition, delivered with the raw energy that has become McBryde’s signature. For fans old and new, the release of this single offers a long-awaited chance to experience a beloved live favorite in a new, polished form, while also celebrating the legacy of a cherished songwriter and friend.
