Dolly Parton: A Life in Lyrics

The life of country icon Dolly Parton is rooted in her contributions both toward the music industry and toward families in the United States. Though Dolly may no longer be with us, her legacy lives on as one of the most influential in American country music and philanthropy. When coming up with this article, I wanted to find a perfect way to honor our superstar and recognize the impact she had on so many individuals. Below are some of my favorite lyrics and ideas of how we can apply them to our everyday lives.

“You’re just a step on the bossman’s ladder/But you’ve got dreams he’ll never take away”

These lyrics from one of Parton’s most popular songs, “9 to 5”, underline the importance of chasing your dreams even when you feel like they’re unreachable. The song’s larger message is deeply anchored in the hardships faced by overworked employees and the lack of credit they receive despite their efforts. If you’re someone who is constantly stressed out, whether because you have a plethora of homework to finish, you have a standard you feel like you can’t uphold, or someone isn’t giving you the credit and acknowledgement you deserve, remember that you are stronger. You don’t deserve to be someone’s scapegoat, or to stress yourself out over the small stuff-you have big things in store! Set goals, stick up for what you know is right, and treat yourself with kindness. Remember Dolly’s lyrics and go out into the world knowing that she would want you to be the best version of yourself there is.

“So I’ll go, but I know/I’ll think of you each step of the way/And I will always love you”

Written by Dolly Parton in 1973 and covered by Whitney Houston in 1992, the lyrics of “I Will Always Love You” still touch hearts today. Parton had originally released the song as a farewell to her mentor, Porter Wagoner, as the pair had concluded their partnership after working together for seven years. When the country music star first heard Whitney Houston’s version of the song on the radio, she became overwhelmed at the beauty and power of her voice. Two years later, Parton presented Houston with the award for Best Pop Vocal Performance at the 1994 Grammy Awards. Both singers continued to share a deep friendship until Houston’s death in 2012, breaking hearts all across the music industry. Though both artists may no longer be with us, their lyrics and their legacies will live on for generations. To me, this song reflects on the importance of letting someone go and choosing to follow your own path. Whether you’ve just gone through a breakup or have had to part ways with a close friend, remember that doing what’s best for yourself is always okay (and life goes on). Take care of yourself, and keep Dolly’s and Whitney’s message in mind while doing so. You got this!

Fun Fact: Whitney Houston is an alumna from my high school, Mount St. Dominic Academy in Caldwell, New Jersey!

“Just let me tell you this/Then we’ll both know where we stand/My mistakes are no worse than yours/Just because I’m a woman” 

As a woman who worked in one of music’s most male-dominated genres, Dolly Parton knew female rage as described throughout her song “Just Because I’m a Woman”. In fact, the last verse in the lyrics above is also the name of the song and the album from which the song was produced. Dolly first wrote this piece following a fight she had with her husband, Carl Dean, in 1968. At the time that the song was released, topics such as misogyny and marital disputes were not as talked about in the media as they are now. However, Parton’s lyrics brought light toward difficulties faced by women, including a double standard where women are judged harsher than men for their past actions. From my perspective, this song’s underlying message is that women shouldn’t be held to a higher standard than men are, especially in relationships. Take note of Dolly’s words, and remember that you are not perfect-no man or woman is and that’s the way life should be! You’ve got opportunities ahead, and you deserve to achieve them without having to prove yourself worthy of anyone or anything. 

Whether you prefer to listen while driving, walking through campus, or just sitting back and relaxing, Dolly’s lyrics are there for you whenever you need them. The beauty and strength of her words serve as reminders that life goes on, and you have big things in store for you. You just have to wait and see where they take you.