Dolly Parton is one of the most iconic and beloved artists in the history of country music. Her prolific career has spanned over six decades and has produced countless hits, earning her numerous accolades and awards along the way.
From her humble beginnings in rural Tennessee to her status as a global superstar, Parton’s music has touched the hearts of millions around the world.
In this article, we will explore the 10 Best Dolly Parton Songs of All Time, showcasing some of her most beloved and iconic hits. These songs are a testament to Parton’s incredible songwriting abilities, her powerful voice, and her ability to capture the essence of the human experience through her music. From tender ballads to upbeat anthems, these songs are a true celebration of Parton’s legacy and the enduring power of country music.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Dolly Parton or a newcomer to her music, this list is sure to offer something for everyone. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the 10 Best Dolly Parton Songs of All Time.
1. Jolene
“Jolene” is a timeless classic that tells the story of a woman who is pleading with another woman named Jolene not to take her man. The song is characterized by its simple yet haunting melody, as well as Parton’s raw, emotional vocals.
The lyrics of “Jolene” convey a sense of vulnerability and desperation, as the narrator begs Jolene not to steal her lover away. Parton’s powerful voice conveys the pain and heartache of the situation, as she sings lines like “Your beauty is beyond compare, with flaming locks of auburn hair, with ivory skin and eyes of emerald green” and “I cannot compete with you, Jolene.”
The song has become a cultural touchstone, beloved by generations of fans for its honest portrayal of human emotion and its timeless message of love and loss. Parton’s haunting vocals and the song’s evocative melody make “Jolene” a true masterpiece of country music, and an enduring classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
2. Islands in the Stream
“Islands in the Stream” is a classic duet with fellow country music legend Kenny Rogers. The song is characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and iconic chorus, which has made it a favorite of fans for decades.
The lyrics of “Islands in the Stream” convey a sense of romantic longing and desire, as Parton and Rogers sing about being two lovers who are meant to be together. The song’s chorus, with its unforgettable melody and lyrics like “Islands in the stream, that is what we are, no one in between, how can we be wrong?” has become an anthem of love and togetherness.
The song’s blend of country and pop sensibilities, combined with Parton and Rogers’ powerhouse vocals, make it an irresistible hit that has stood the test of time. “Islands in the Stream” remains one of Parton’s most beloved songs, and a testament to her enduring talent as a songwriter and performer.
3. 9 to 5
9 to 5″ is an iconic anthem of the working woman, characterized by its infectious melody, funky bassline, and clever lyrics. The song was written for the film of the same name, in which Parton also starred, and has since become a staple of popular culture.
The lyrics of “9 to 5” are a rallying cry for women in the workforce, as Parton sings about the struggles and frustrations of working a nine-to-five job. The song’s catchy chorus, with its iconic opening line “Working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living,” has become an anthem of empowerment and inspiration for women around the world.
The song’s upbeat tempo and Parton’s soaring vocals make it a feel-good hit that continues to resonate with listeners today. “9 to 5” remains one of Parton’s most beloved songs, and a testament to her ability to capture the spirit of an era and inspire listeners with her music.
4. I Will Always Love You
“I Will Always Love You” is a timeless classic that has become one of the most beloved love songs of all time. The song is characterized by its simple yet powerful melody, as well as Parton’s emotive vocals.
The lyrics of “I Will Always Love You” are a tender and heartfelt declaration of love, as Parton sings about her deep and abiding affection for someone she must leave behind. The song’s chorus, with its iconic line “And I will always love you,” has become an anthem of devotion and commitment, and has been covered by countless artists over the years.
The song’s poignant melody and Parton’s soulful voice make it a powerful emotional experience, touching the hearts of listeners with its message of enduring love. “I Will Always Love You” remains one of Parton’s most beloved songs, a testament to her incredible talent as a songwriter and performer, and a true classic of popular music.
5. Coat of Many Colours
“Coat of Many Colours” is a poignant and autobiographical song that tells the story of Parton’s childhood growing up poor in rural Tennessee. The song is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar and Parton’s emotional vocals.
The lyrics of “Coat of Many Colours” convey a sense of resilience and determination, as Parton sings about the love and support of her mother and the creative way she made her daughter a coat out of rags. The song’s chorus, with its powerful line “One is only poor, only if they choose to be,” has become a rallying cry for anyone facing hardship or adversity.
The song’s heartfelt message and Parton’s raw, emotional performance make it a powerful and uplifting listening experience. “Coat of Many Colours” remains one of Parton’s most beloved songs, a testament to her incredible storytelling ability and her enduring talent as a songwriter and performer.
6. The Bargain Store
“The Bargain Store” is a classic country ballad that tells the story of a woman who finds comfort in the simple pleasures of life. The song is characterized by its gentle melody, twangy guitars, and Parton’s emotive vocals.
The lyrics of “The Bargain Store” convey a sense of contentment and appreciation for the little things in life, as Parton sings about finding happiness in thrift store finds and small moments of joy. The song’s chorus, with its memorable line “Love is like a bargain store, you know you’ll never find what you’re looking for,” has become a favorite of fans for its relatable and timeless message.
The song’s classic country sound and Parton’s emotive delivery make it a heartfelt and nostalgic listening experience. “The Bargain Store” remains one of Parton’s most beloved songs, a testament to her enduring talent as a storyteller and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
7. Love is Like a Butterfly
“Love is Like a Butterfly” is a beautiful and timeless country song written and performed by the legendary Dolly Parton. Released in 1974, the song quickly became one of Parton’s most popular hits and has remained a favorite among fans ever since.
The song’s gentle melody, accompanied by soft strings and acoustic guitar, sets the perfect backdrop for Parton’s sweet and tender vocals. Her voice is filled with warmth and sincerity as she sings about the nature of love and compares it to a butterfly – delicate, fleeting, and beautiful.
The lyrics of “Love is Like a Butterfly” are both poetic and poignant. Parton sings about the way that love can lift us up and bring us joy, but also about how it can be unpredictable and difficult to catch. She speaks of love’s ability to transform us, to make us feel alive and free, and yet also acknowledges the pain and heartache that can come with it.
Overall, “Love is Like a Butterfly” is a beautiful and timeless song that speaks to the universal experience of love and all of its complexities. It is a testament to Parton’s incredible songwriting and vocal abilities, and remains a beloved classic in the world of country music.
8. Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You
“Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” is a classic country song written by Pebe Sebert and Hugh Moffatt, and famously performed by Dolly Parton. The song was first released in 1980 as a single from Parton’s album “Dolly, Dolly, Dolly,” and quickly became a hit among fans of country music.
The song’s lyrics tell the story of a person who has moved on from a past relationship and found a new love. The singer acknowledges the good times they shared with their old flame, but ultimately affirms that their new love is stronger and more fulfilling. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “old flames can’t hold a candle to you,” is both catchy and poignant, capturing the essence of the song’s message.
Parton’s vocal performance is nothing short of stunning on this track. Her voice is filled with emotion and depth, conveying both the pain of loss and the joy of new love. The instrumentation, which includes acoustic guitar, piano, and strings, perfectly complements Parton’s vocals and adds to the song’s overall beauty.
“Old Flames Can’t Hold a Candle to You” has become a beloved classic in the world of country music, and is widely regarded as one of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits. The song’s timeless message about the power of new love to heal the wounds of the past continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a true classic in every sense of the word.
9. Here You Come Again
“Here You Come Again” is a classic country-pop song by Dolly Parton, released in 1977. The song’s catchy and upbeat melody is accompanied by Parton’s distinctive voice, which perfectly captures the excitement and anticipation of a new romance.
The lyrics of “Here You Come Again” describe the thrill of seeing an old flame return after a period of separation. Parton sings about the joy of being reunited with someone who she thought she had left behind, and the way that this person’s presence in her life makes her feel alive again. The chorus, which repeats the line “Here you come again, just when I’ve begun to get myself together,” is both memorable and relatable.
The song’s production is top-notch, with a lively arrangement that includes a mix of piano, strings, and percussion. Parton’s vocal performance is both powerful and emotional, showcasing her incredible range and ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her music.
“Here You Come Again” has become one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs, and is considered a classic in the world of country-pop. The song’s timeless message about the power of love and the excitement of new beginnings continues to resonate with audiences today, making it a true gem in the world of music.
10. Joshua
“Joshua” is a classic country gospel song by Dolly Parton, released in 1971. The song’s uplifting melody is accompanied by Parton’s powerful and soulful vocals, which perfectly capture the spirit of the gospel.
The lyrics of “Joshua” tell the story of the biblical figure Joshua, who led the Israelites to the promised land. Parton sings about Joshua’s bravery, determination, and faith, and the way that his story serves as an inspiration to all those who believe in God’s power.
The song’s production is simple but effective, with a mix of acoustic guitar, piano, and background vocals. Parton’s vocal performance is both passionate and moving, conveying the message of the song with great sincerity.
“Joshua” has become a beloved classic in the world of gospel music, and is considered one of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits. The song’s timeless message of faith and perseverance continues to inspire listeners today, making it a true testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire the soul.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
