Hello Dolly!
Carol Channing Lyrics


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Hello, Dolly,
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
We feel the room swayin'
While the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when

So, take her wrap, fellas
Find her an empty lap, fellas
Dolly'll never go away again

Hello, Dolly,
Well, hello, Dolly
It's so nice to have you back where you belong
You're lookin' swell, Dolly
I can tell, Dolly
You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still goin' strong
We feel the room swayin'
While the band's playin'
One of your old favourite songs from way back when

Golly, gee, fellas
Find her a vacant knee, fellas
Dolly'll never go away




Dolly'll never go away
Dolly'll never go away again

Overall Meaning

The song "Hello, Dolly!" is a joyful and upbeat piece that celebrates the return of the character Dolly to where she belongs. As the song begins, the singer welcomes Dolly back and notes that she looks fantastic. The chorus repeats that sentiment with a catchy melody and lyrics that describe Dolly's continued success and energy. The song continues with a reference to the band playing one of Dolly's old favorite songs from way back when, suggesting that she has a long and rich history. Finally, the song invites the men in the room to find Dolly an empty lap or a vacant knee, indicating that she is in high demand and will never go away.


Overall, the lyrics to Hello, Dolly! are a celebration of life and the joy of being around someone who is vibrant, confident, and full of positive energy. The song speaks to the idea of returning home or finding a place where you feel truly comfortable and happy.


Line by Line Meaning

Hello, Dolly,
Greetings, Dolly,


Well, hello, Dolly
It's delightful to see you, Dolly,


It's so nice to have you back where you belong
We're thrilled to have you here again, where you rightfully belong,


You're lookin' swell, Dolly
You are looking lovely and fine, Dolly,


I can tell, Dolly
I can see from your appearance, Dolly,


You're still glowin', you're still crowin'
You're still radiating with happiness and confidence,


You're still goin' strong
You are still going with great energy and strength,


We feel the room swayin'
We can sense the excitement and joy in the air,


While the band's playin'
While the band is entertaining us with their music,


One of your old favourite songs from way back when
They are playing one of your favourite classic songs from long ago.


So, take her wrap, fellas
Gentlemen, please help her take off her coat and wrap,


Find her an empty lap, fellas
Please find an available seat for her, gentlemen.


Golly, gee, fellas
Wow, guys!


Find her a vacant knee, fellas
Please find her an open spot on someone's lap.


Dolly'll never go away
Dolly won't leave us,


Dolly'll never go away
Dolly won't leave us,


Dolly'll never go away again
Dolly won't leave us like she did before.




Writer(s): Jerry Herman Copyright: Jerryco-music Co., Edwin H. Morris & Co. Inc., WB Music Corp.

Contributed by Chase A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@brianpowell5326

There is no other Dolly!!! She’s wonderful!!!

@sharonmangas2919

My late mother adored Carol Channing, and loved "Hello Dolly." My mom had some tough circumstances to overcome in her life. She was widowed very young and raised three children on her own. When she finally got us raised and began to reclaim her life, she adopted 'Hello Dolly" as her theme song. I can still hear mom singing this & adding a lot of dramatic flair. If there's a heaven, she's welcoming Carol today and they're surely singing a duet! RIP Carol. You were one in a million.

@katebowes1

Oh what a beautiful memory that is ❤️ I’m so sorry for the loss of your mum, she sounds like a great character, I’m glad you have some lovely memories of your mum 🥰

@GMMayo-fk9wj

There is Love. Count on it.

@GMMayo-fk9wj

There is a heaven.

@theesweetmud1007

how lovely, rest in power to both powerful women, hello dolly!

@ryan010able

I bet there having the best time up there. Your mum sounded like a strong woman !

1 More Replies...

@linda1081

I love her voice so much. Whenever I’m feeling bad I put her on and I feel much better.

@louiscaruso4167

I saw Carol Channing in Hello Dolly in March 1978 in New York...she was amazing...she poured every drop of herself into the performance...RIP...

@siluq6485

What a voice! What a performance! What a talented person!!! Bravo, bravo!!!

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