Every Song You Didn't Know Was Written by Dolly Parton
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VOICE OVER: Emily Brayton
She must have been workin' 9 to 5 writing all these songs! Welcome to MsMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for songs you might not know were written by the great Dolly Parton. Our countdown includes songs “Dagger Through the Heart”, “Not Enough”, “Waltz Me to Heaven” and more!
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for songs you might not know were written by the great Dolly Parton. Did we open your eyes to any Parton surprises? Let us know in the comments
It’s more likely people think this song belongs on a list of songs Dolly Parton covered as opposed to tracks she actually wrote. And we say that because there is a 1970 version of the song recorded by Parton herself. However, that version was released two years after the gorgeous number was first released in 1968, performed by Canadian singer Lucille Starr. So, it might sound a little odd to say, but the fact is that “Too Lonely Too Long” was both written by Dolly Parton and covered by her as well.
Dolly Parton’s mother didn’t pass away when she was young and she didn’t spend five years in an orphanage. Given those facts, you could be forgiven for not thinking she wrote “I Lived So Fast and Hard,” - which has lyrics that speak those statements. However, fans of the star already know she didn’t grow up wealthy, so the message about living with little means rings true to a young Parton’s story. All that to say that while the track was recorded and released by both Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis in the ‘60s, it was written by the inimitable Dolly Parton.
Given that “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)” was the title of Dolly Parton’s third solo studio album, this one might not come as much of a shock as some others on our list. However, although the eponymous tune was released in 1968 as the first single from said album, country fans were already familiar with it thanks to a version released earlier in the year by Merle Haggard and the Strangers. The song has since been covered many other times, including in 2016 by Parton’s sister Stella. So it might be easy to lose sight of who actually wrote it, but it was indeed Dolly herself.
We already know that Parton is a wonderful singer and songwriter, and was one of the stars of the 1980 cult classic “9 to 5.” So it only makes sense that she would’ve been involved with the “9 to 5: The Musical” of the late aughts. Not only was she involved, Parton wrote all the music and lyrics for the show. One of those songs was the big, penultimate number, “Get Out And Stay Out” – performed wonderfully in the original Broadway production by Stephanie J. Block. In 2011, Parton released her own version of the tune on her “Better Day” album. No matter which version you’re listening to though, you’ll definitely get chills.
We aren’t gamblers. But we feel pretty confident that if you asked people who wrote Merle Haggard and the Strangers’ number one country hit “Kentucky Gambler”, most folks wouldn’t know it was Dolly Parton. In fact, they might assume Haggard penned it since it was his version that came out first, making a splash in 1974. But of course, few can tell a story through their lyrics quite like Dolly Parton, and it’s her talent on display in this tale of a man who loses the people who matter. Naturally, she also put out her version of the hit the following year on her “The Bargain Store” album.
Dolly Parton has written so many great songs, we can’t possibly expect her to have also recorded every single one of them. Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t secretly hope she one day will! One example of this is “Waltz Me to Heaven”, the second single from Waylon Jennings’ “Waylon's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2” album. Fans of the “Rhinestone” movie will also recognize it from that musical comedy’s soundtrack. While the flick itself did indeed star Parton, the gorgeous tune was sung by her brother Floyd on that occasion.
Dolly Parton and Bill Phillips both released versions of “The Company You Keep” in the ‘60s. The main difference is that Parton also wrote it. Well, if we’re being specific, she co-wrote it with her uncle, Bill Owens. Naturally, her musical and lyrical mark is all over it. And what a stunning mark it is, as always. As the track says, “you're known by the company you keep.” Regardless of which version you prefer, anyone who keeps musical company with Dolly Parton puts themselves in a great position to be known for recording fantastic songs.
“I’m In No Condition” was included on Dolly’s 1967 Album, “Hello, I’m Dolly” but has since been revived by Hank Williams Jr. Williams is the son of a country music legend, but has carved out his own place in the industry with his blend of southern rock, country, and blues. Dolly’s song allowed him to explore his vulnerable side. The song’s refrain “I’m in no condition to try to love again” tells of the hurt experienced in the aftermath of a broken relationship. Country music loves a breakup song and Dolly’s lyrics are honest and raw. It’s a bit different from “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.” But once you hear Williams’ version, it’s hard to believe it was written for anyone else.
Dolly Parton’s fame as a singer is part and parcel of her blonde bombshell image, but her initial success came with songwriting. Her first hits were co-written with the aforementioned uncle Bill Owens, shortly after she arrived in Nashville. One of these singles was “Fuel to the Flame”, a ballad of burgeoning love, with lyrics full of yearning and unanswered questions. Skeeter Davis released it in 1967 and it charted in the top ten. Davis was one of the first women in country music to gain major success as a solo artist and she was an acknowledged influence on Dolly. “Fuel to the Flame” became her first major hit in two years. The song helped to fuel Davis’s career and also to launch Dolly’s.
Another song that garnered chart success during Dolly’s early songwriting period was “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” It was released by country singer Bill Phillips and was to become his biggest hit, peaking at number six on the country charts. Dolly sings backing vocals on the track, although these are uncredited. Parton soon came to the attention of Monument Records, who signed her to their label. We know this wouldn’t be the only time Parton wrote a tune for Phillips, and it acts as another testament to her unparalleled abilities with a pen.
While primarily a country artist, Dolly’s songwriting is not limited to that field. She also loves a musical, and over the years, she’s written many songs for film soundtracks. This includes “9 to 5” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” “Joyful Noise” is a movie musical from 2012 starring Dolly, Queen Latifah, and Jeremy Jordan. It received mixed reviews, but was praised for its music. The gospel-infused soundtrack was written by Mervyn Warren, but Dolly contributed three of her own songs. “From Here to the Moon and Back” is classic Dolly. But the opening number “Not Enough” is a rousing gospel chorus. Led by Queen Latifah and Dolly herself, it throws you straight into the world of the movie.
Miley Cyrus has made quite a journey from Disney Channel child star to the artist we know today. Her godmother, Dolly Parton has been behind her through all of it. They’ve even performed together. On Miley’s new album “Younger Now,” Dolly joined her to co-write the track “Rainbowland.” The name of the song comes from Cyrus’s home studio, which she had painted rainbow colors and where she began building her new album. But the duet itself is a simple song with a message of hope and unity. Dolly describes it as a song for the times right now, saying, “it’s really just about dreaming and hoping that we could all do better.”
Story-songs are an integral part of the country music canon and “To Daddy” shows off some of Dolly Parton’s sharpest lyrics. Written from a child’s perspective, it tells the tale of a wife and mother. Her family takes it for granted that her life as a neglected homemaker is enough for her and she never complains about her lot. But when the kids are old enough, she leaves to find the things she really needs, leaving behind a letter that blindsides her husband. Emmylou Harris released the song as a single in 1977, where it reached number 3 in the Hot Country Billboard Charts. Harris’s gentle performance engages the listener, but Parton’s lyrics are deceptively hard-hitting.
“Circle of Love” is the title track for “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” - a made-for-TV holiday movie from 2016. The film tells the story of a Christmas during Dolly’s childhood in the Smoky Mountains. Her family goes through some tough times, but ultimately gets through it thanks to their love for each other and a little bit of faith. The titular song was penned by Dolly herself. Singer-songwriter Jennifer Nettles played Dolly’s mother in the movie. She released the song on her solo Christmas album that same year. The track has a waltzing rhythm and simple, heartfelt lyrics relating to the Christmas story.
Although most of the songs on this list were written for the artists, there are some great covers out there too. “Just Because I’m a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton” is a compilation album and a tribute from fellow artists. It brings together well-known singers, who cover tracks from Dolly’s back catalog. The most out-there arrangement comes from singer-songwriter, Sinéad O'Connor. The late musician made Dolly’s 2002 single, “Dagger Through the Heart,” her own. She was drawn to the “anger of the lyric,” but perhaps the video struck a chord with her too. After recording the song, Sinéad was overwhelmed to learn that Dolly was influenced by O’Connor’s memorable video for “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
“The Stranger” features on Kenny Rogers’ 1984 album “What About Me?” Another story song from Dolly, it’s a heart-wrenching tale about an absent parent, this time told from a man’s perspective. The narrator meets the father he never knew, but the stranger is at least ten years too late. The son has no time for the man who abandoned him and left his late mother to live a hard life. Parton and Rogers were longtime singing partners and collaborators. They released their revered Christmas album just a month after “What About Me?” was unveiled. The tone is very different, but Dolly brings her songwriting magic to both.
Although she is sometimes referred to as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner kicked off her solo career with a country album. “Tina Turns the Country On!” was her first solo outing from then-husband and bandmate, Ike Turner. The new ten-track album featured a who’s-who of country stars on the songwriting staff. Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Snow, and Dolly Parton all took a turn. Dolly’s contribution was a piano ballad that showed off Turner’s soulful vocals. Although the album didn’t chart, Turner did bag a Grammy nomination for best female R&B vocal performance.
It might sound odd to say that a song Parton made one of the highest-selling of 1974 is one some often forget she wrote, but that’s the case with “I Will Always Love You.” And there’s really only one person to (affectionately) blame for that… Whitney Houston. While Parton’s version was a hit, Houston’s cover, off of the “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, was a cultural phenomenon. Not only was it the top single of 1993, it also found a comfortable home atop the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for a whopping 14 weeks. The ballad broke sales records and hit the #1 spot on charts worldwide, too. Dolly Parton did a beautiful job creating it, but Houston will forever be associated with this masterpiece.
#18: “Too Lonely Too Long” (1968)
Lucille StarrIt’s more likely people think this song belongs on a list of songs Dolly Parton covered as opposed to tracks she actually wrote. And we say that because there is a 1970 version of the song recorded by Parton herself. However, that version was released two years after the gorgeous number was first released in 1968, performed by Canadian singer Lucille Starr. So, it might sound a little odd to say, but the fact is that “Too Lonely Too Long” was both written by Dolly Parton and covered by her as well.
#17: “I Lived So Fast and Hard” (1968)
Porter WagonerDolly Parton’s mother didn’t pass away when she was young and she didn’t spend five years in an orphanage. Given those facts, you could be forgiven for not thinking she wrote “I Lived So Fast and Hard,” - which has lyrics that speak those statements. However, fans of the star already know she didn’t grow up wealthy, so the message about living with little means rings true to a young Parton’s story. All that to say that while the track was recorded and released by both Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis in the ‘60s, it was written by the inimitable Dolly Parton.
#16: “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)” (1968)
Merle Haggard & the StrangersGiven that “In the Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)” was the title of Dolly Parton’s third solo studio album, this one might not come as much of a shock as some others on our list. However, although the eponymous tune was released in 1968 as the first single from said album, country fans were already familiar with it thanks to a version released earlier in the year by Merle Haggard and the Strangers. The song has since been covered many other times, including in 2016 by Parton’s sister Stella. So it might be easy to lose sight of who actually wrote it, but it was indeed Dolly herself.
#15: “Get Out and Stay Out” (2009)
Stephanie J. BlockWe already know that Parton is a wonderful singer and songwriter, and was one of the stars of the 1980 cult classic “9 to 5.” So it only makes sense that she would’ve been involved with the “9 to 5: The Musical” of the late aughts. Not only was she involved, Parton wrote all the music and lyrics for the show. One of those songs was the big, penultimate number, “Get Out And Stay Out” – performed wonderfully in the original Broadway production by Stephanie J. Block. In 2011, Parton released her own version of the tune on her “Better Day” album. No matter which version you’re listening to though, you’ll definitely get chills.
#14: “Kentucky Gambler” (1974)
Merle Haggard & the StrangersWe aren’t gamblers. But we feel pretty confident that if you asked people who wrote Merle Haggard and the Strangers’ number one country hit “Kentucky Gambler”, most folks wouldn’t know it was Dolly Parton. In fact, they might assume Haggard penned it since it was his version that came out first, making a splash in 1974. But of course, few can tell a story through their lyrics quite like Dolly Parton, and it’s her talent on display in this tale of a man who loses the people who matter. Naturally, she also put out her version of the hit the following year on her “The Bargain Store” album.
#13: “Waltz Me to Heaven” (1984)
Waylon JenningsDolly Parton has written so many great songs, we can’t possibly expect her to have also recorded every single one of them. Of course, that doesn’t mean we don’t secretly hope she one day will! One example of this is “Waltz Me to Heaven”, the second single from Waylon Jennings’ “Waylon's Greatest Hits, Vol. 2” album. Fans of the “Rhinestone” movie will also recognize it from that musical comedy’s soundtrack. While the flick itself did indeed star Parton, the gorgeous tune was sung by her brother Floyd on that occasion.
#12: “The Company You Keep” (1966)
Bill PhillipsDolly Parton and Bill Phillips both released versions of “The Company You Keep” in the ‘60s. The main difference is that Parton also wrote it. Well, if we’re being specific, she co-wrote it with her uncle, Bill Owens. Naturally, her musical and lyrical mark is all over it. And what a stunning mark it is, as always. As the track says, “you're known by the company you keep.” Regardless of which version you prefer, anyone who keeps musical company with Dolly Parton puts themselves in a great position to be known for recording fantastic songs.
#11: “I’m In No Condition” (1967)
Hank Williams Jr.“I’m In No Condition” was included on Dolly’s 1967 Album, “Hello, I’m Dolly” but has since been revived by Hank Williams Jr. Williams is the son of a country music legend, but has carved out his own place in the industry with his blend of southern rock, country, and blues. Dolly’s song allowed him to explore his vulnerable side. The song’s refrain “I’m in no condition to try to love again” tells of the hurt experienced in the aftermath of a broken relationship. Country music loves a breakup song and Dolly’s lyrics are honest and raw. It’s a bit different from “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight.” But once you hear Williams’ version, it’s hard to believe it was written for anyone else.
#10: “Fuel to the Flame” (1967)
Skeeter DavisDolly Parton’s fame as a singer is part and parcel of her blonde bombshell image, but her initial success came with songwriting. Her first hits were co-written with the aforementioned uncle Bill Owens, shortly after she arrived in Nashville. One of these singles was “Fuel to the Flame”, a ballad of burgeoning love, with lyrics full of yearning and unanswered questions. Skeeter Davis released it in 1967 and it charted in the top ten. Davis was one of the first women in country music to gain major success as a solo artist and she was an acknowledged influence on Dolly. “Fuel to the Flame” became her first major hit in two years. The song helped to fuel Davis’s career and also to launch Dolly’s.
#9: “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” (1966)
Bill PhillipsAnother song that garnered chart success during Dolly’s early songwriting period was “Put It Off Until Tomorrow.” It was released by country singer Bill Phillips and was to become his biggest hit, peaking at number six on the country charts. Dolly sings backing vocals on the track, although these are uncredited. Parton soon came to the attention of Monument Records, who signed her to their label. We know this wouldn’t be the only time Parton wrote a tune for Phillips, and it acts as another testament to her unparalleled abilities with a pen.
#8: “Not Enough” (2012)
Queen Latifah & Dolly PartonWhile primarily a country artist, Dolly’s songwriting is not limited to that field. She also loves a musical, and over the years, she’s written many songs for film soundtracks. This includes “9 to 5” and “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.” “Joyful Noise” is a movie musical from 2012 starring Dolly, Queen Latifah, and Jeremy Jordan. It received mixed reviews, but was praised for its music. The gospel-infused soundtrack was written by Mervyn Warren, but Dolly contributed three of her own songs. “From Here to the Moon and Back” is classic Dolly. But the opening number “Not Enough” is a rousing gospel chorus. Led by Queen Latifah and Dolly herself, it throws you straight into the world of the movie.
#7: “Rainbowland” (2017)
Miley CyrusMiley Cyrus has made quite a journey from Disney Channel child star to the artist we know today. Her godmother, Dolly Parton has been behind her through all of it. They’ve even performed together. On Miley’s new album “Younger Now,” Dolly joined her to co-write the track “Rainbowland.” The name of the song comes from Cyrus’s home studio, which she had painted rainbow colors and where she began building her new album. But the duet itself is a simple song with a message of hope and unity. Dolly describes it as a song for the times right now, saying, “it’s really just about dreaming and hoping that we could all do better.”
#6: “To Daddy” (1977)
Emmylou HarrisStory-songs are an integral part of the country music canon and “To Daddy” shows off some of Dolly Parton’s sharpest lyrics. Written from a child’s perspective, it tells the tale of a wife and mother. Her family takes it for granted that her life as a neglected homemaker is enough for her and she never complains about her lot. But when the kids are old enough, she leaves to find the things she really needs, leaving behind a letter that blindsides her husband. Emmylou Harris released the song as a single in 1977, where it reached number 3 in the Hot Country Billboard Charts. Harris’s gentle performance engages the listener, but Parton’s lyrics are deceptively hard-hitting.
#5: “Circle of Love” (2016)
Jennifer Nettles“Circle of Love” is the title track for “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” - a made-for-TV holiday movie from 2016. The film tells the story of a Christmas during Dolly’s childhood in the Smoky Mountains. Her family goes through some tough times, but ultimately gets through it thanks to their love for each other and a little bit of faith. The titular song was penned by Dolly herself. Singer-songwriter Jennifer Nettles played Dolly’s mother in the movie. She released the song on her solo Christmas album that same year. The track has a waltzing rhythm and simple, heartfelt lyrics relating to the Christmas story.
#4: “Dagger Through the Heart” (2003)
Sinéad O'ConnorAlthough most of the songs on this list were written for the artists, there are some great covers out there too. “Just Because I’m a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton” is a compilation album and a tribute from fellow artists. It brings together well-known singers, who cover tracks from Dolly’s back catalog. The most out-there arrangement comes from singer-songwriter, Sinéad O'Connor. The late musician made Dolly’s 2002 single, “Dagger Through the Heart,” her own. She was drawn to the “anger of the lyric,” but perhaps the video struck a chord with her too. After recording the song, Sinéad was overwhelmed to learn that Dolly was influenced by O’Connor’s memorable video for “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
#3: “The Stranger” (1984)
Kenny Rogers“The Stranger” features on Kenny Rogers’ 1984 album “What About Me?” Another story song from Dolly, it’s a heart-wrenching tale about an absent parent, this time told from a man’s perspective. The narrator meets the father he never knew, but the stranger is at least ten years too late. The son has no time for the man who abandoned him and left his late mother to live a hard life. Parton and Rogers were longtime singing partners and collaborators. They released their revered Christmas album just a month after “What About Me?” was unveiled. The tone is very different, but Dolly brings her songwriting magic to both.
#2: “There’ll Always Be Music” (1974)
Tina TurnerAlthough she is sometimes referred to as the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner kicked off her solo career with a country album. “Tina Turns the Country On!” was her first solo outing from then-husband and bandmate, Ike Turner. The new ten-track album featured a who’s-who of country stars on the songwriting staff. Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Snow, and Dolly Parton all took a turn. Dolly’s contribution was a piano ballad that showed off Turner’s soulful vocals. Although the album didn’t chart, Turner did bag a Grammy nomination for best female R&B vocal performance.
#1: “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
Whitney HoustonIt might sound odd to say that a song Parton made one of the highest-selling of 1974 is one some often forget she wrote, but that’s the case with “I Will Always Love You.” And there’s really only one person to (affectionately) blame for that… Whitney Houston. While Parton’s version was a hit, Houston’s cover, off of the “The Bodyguard” soundtrack, was a cultural phenomenon. Not only was it the top single of 1993, it also found a comfortable home atop the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for a whopping 14 weeks. The ballad broke sales records and hit the #1 spot on charts worldwide, too. Dolly Parton did a beautiful job creating it, but Houston will forever be associated with this masterpiece.
