Introduction
“Songwriting is my gift from God, and I’m constantly trying to figure out what I’m supposed to do with it,” said Dolly Parton, one of the most legendary artists in country music history. Parton has been captivating audiences with her music and storytelling for over five decades, earning countless accolades and awards along the way. But when it comes to her songwriting, there is a mystery that has long confounded fans and critics alike: which songs did she actually write? This article sets out to answer that question and explore the impact of Dolly Parton’s songwriting career on the country music industry and beyond.
Unlocking the Mysteries: A Guide to Which Songs Dolly Parton Actually Wrote
Parton’s love for music began at a young age, and by the age of ten, she was already writing her own songs. As a young woman, she made her way to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of the country music industry, where she was signed to a publishing deal with Combine Music. From there, she began collaborating with other artists and writing songs that would become some of the most beloved in country music history.
One of the most famous songs Parton wrote is “Jolene,” a tale of a woman pleading with another to leave her husband alone. Parton has said that the character of Jolene was inspired by a young woman who had once worked with her husband. According to Parton, she wrote the song in 15 minutes, and its haunting melody and heartbreaking lyrics have endured as a country music classic.
Another of Parton’s most famous songs is “I Will Always Love You,” which she wrote for her former singing partner Porter Wagoner when she decided to strike out on her own and pursue a solo career. The song became a hit for Parton, and later for Whitney Houston, who turned it into an even bigger sensation when she covered it for the movie “The Bodyguard.” Parton’s original version of the song remains a fan favorite to this day.
The Surprising Truth About Dolly Parton’s Songwriting
Despite her many hits, there are some songs that many people believe Parton wrote, but were actually written by other artists. For example, “9 to 5,” a song about the daily grind of working life, was written for the 1980 movie of the same name by Parton but was influenced by her own experiences with a nine to five job. Another example is “Here You Come Again,” which was actually written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, songwriters known for their work in the pop and rock genres.
But why do these misconceptions exist? Perhaps it’s because Parton is so gifted at interpreting a song and making it her own. Or maybe it’s because her music and lyrics speak so deeply to people that they assume she must have written every song that speaks to them. Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand that not every song with a Parton connection was written by the artist herself.
The Songs That Define Dolly Parton’s Legacy
There are certain songs that define Parton’s legacy as a songwriter, and these songs stand as a testament to her incredible talent and skill. One such song is “Coat of Many Colors,” a song that tells the story of Parton’s childhood and the coat her mother made for her out of rags. The song speaks to the resilience and ingenuity of the Parton family, and its meaning has resonated deeply with fans for decades.
Another song that defines Parton’s legacy is “The Bargain Store,” a song she wrote about a store that sells “love at a discount price.” Parton’s lyrics in this song are witty and clever, showcasing her ability to tell a story that is both entertaining and insightful.
Charting Dolly Parton’s Writing Career: Her Best (and Worst) Moments
Over the course of her career, Parton has had many memorable moments as a songwriter. Ranking them would be a daunting task, and the significance of each is subjective depending on who you ask. That being said, there are certain moments that stand out and have become part of the Parton lore.
One such moment is the creation of “Jolene,” a song that Parton wrote in just 15 minutes. Another would be “I Will Always Love You,” a timeless classic that was inspired by her own experiences and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
Of course, not every moment in Parton’s career as a songwriter has been a success. Some songs have been less successful than others, but even these can teach us something about the creative process. For example, Parton’s song “Joshua” was not a hit, but it taught her an important lesson about staying true to herself and her own creative vision.
From “Jolene” to “I Will Always Love You”: The Story Behind Dolly’s Greatest Hits
Part of what makes Parton’s songs so enduring is the stories they tell. Whether it’s the tale of a woman pleading with another to stay away from her man in “Jolene” or the story of a young girl taking pride in her homemade coat in “Coat of Many Colors,” Parton has a gift for storytelling that is unmatched.
The lyrics of “I Will Always Love You” are a poignant reminder of the power of love and the importance of letting go when necessary. The song speaks to the universal human experience of heartbreak and loss, and Parton’s delivery of the lyrics is nothing short of masterful.
How Dolly Parton Engineered a Country Music Revolution Through Her Songwriting
Parton’s influence on country music is not limited to her own music and songwriting. She has also influenced a new generation of performers who look up to her creative genius and groundbreaking achievements.
Artists like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves have been vocal about their admiration for Parton, citing her as a major influence on their own songwriting and creative approach. Parton’s legacy as a songwriter has helped to create a new wave of country performers who are pushing the boundaries of the genre and making their mark on the music industry.
The Mystery Solved: Decoding Which Dolly Parton Songs are Actually Written by Dolly Herself
So, which songs did Dolly Parton actually write? The answer can be somewhat complicated, as Parton has been involved in the creation of many songs over the course of her career. However, there are certain songs that she wrote entirely on her own, such as “Coat of Many Colors” and “Jolene.”
Other songs, like “9 to 5” and “Here You Come Again,” were collaborations with other songwriters. And of course, there are the songs that many people believe Parton wrote but were actually written by other artists.
At the end of the day, what’s important is not who wrote which song, but the impact that Parton’s songwriting has had on the music industry. From “Jolene” to “I Will Always Love You,” Parton’s songs have touched the hearts of millions of people and helped to shape the country music landscape for generations to come.
Conclusion
Dolly Parton is a true legend in the world of country music, and her songwriting career is a major reason why. From her iconic hits to her lesser-known gems, every song she has written tells a story that resonates with people on a deep and emotional level.
As we have seen, the truth about which songs Parton wrote can be somewhat elusive, but what we do know is that her impact on country music and music as a whole is immeasurable. She paved the way for new artists and created a legacy that will endure for generations. So, if you haven’t yet explored Dolly Parton’s extensive catalog as a songwriter, there’s no better time than now to dive in and experience for yourself the magic of her lyrics and music.