Dolly is still going strong, while Porter died of lung cancer last month (October 2007)
There is a Porter Wagoner Boulevard in his home town of West Plains, Missouri.
How Can I
DOLLY PARTON & PORTER WAGONER Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When my strength is not enough to face the disapointments
When nothing seems to work out like I planned
When I think I've reached the end, just stop and reassure me
Cause I can make it, if you say I can
If you say I can, then I can find the strength to do it
In knowing you believe that much in me
I'm only just as strong as you make me
But I can do it, if you say I can
When I've reached the point of thinking life's not worth the bother
When I can't seem to give what life demands
When it seems impossible to make it any farther
I can go on, if you say I can
If you say I can, then I can find the strength to do it
In knowing you believe that much in me
Tell me that I can and give me faith in what I'm doing
I'm only just as strong as you make me
But I can do it, if you say I can
In "If You Say I Can," Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner explore the theme of finding inner strength and determination through the support and encouragement of a loved one. The lyrics tell a story of facing disappointments and struggles, and how the belief and affirmation from someone else can make a significant difference in one's ability to overcome obstacles.
The first verse highlights moments of doubt and feeling overwhelmed when nothing seems to go as planned. The singer relies on the support of their loved one to provide reassurance and encouragement. The line, "Cause I can make it, if you say I can," illustrates the belief that with the affirmation of their partner, they can find the strength and motivation to persevere.
The chorus reiterates the importance of being told that one has the capability to achieve their goals. The singer’s faith in themselves is bolstered when their loved one believes in them. The line, "I'm only just as strong as you make me" shows how the singer's sense of self is influenced by the faith their partner has in their abilities. It emphasizes that their strength is interconnected with the support they receive.
The second verse delves deeper into the idea of feeling defeated and contemplating giving up. It expresses the struggles of meeting life's demands and feeling like it's impossible to move forward. However, the singer finds renewed hope and determination when their loved one reminds them that they can persevere. The line, "I can go on, if you say I can," conveys the power of affirmation in enabling individuals to overcome their mental and emotional barriers.
Overall, "If You Say I Can" celebrates the transformative power of belief and encouragement. It lays bare the vulnerability of the human spirit and emphasizes how a strong support system can help individuals find the strength within themselves to navigate life's challenges. The song serves as a reminder that having someone who believes in us can make all the difference in our ability to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals.
Line by Line Meaning
When my strength is not enough to face the disappointments
When I feel weak and unable to handle the letdowns and setbacks
When nothing seems to work out like I planned
When all my efforts and intentions don't seem to result in success
When I think I've reached the end, just stop and reassure me
When I believe I have hit rock bottom, just halt and provide me with encouragement
Cause I can make it, if you say I can
Because with your belief in me, I can overcome any challenge
If you say I can, then I can find the strength to do it
If you have faith in me, I can summon the necessary power and determination
In knowing you believe that much in me
By understanding the depth of your confidence and trust in me
Tell me that I can and give me faith in what I'm doing
Affirm to me that I am capable and instill in me belief in my actions
I'm only just as strong as you make me
My strength and resilience rely on your support and encouragement
But I can do it, if you say I can
Nevertheless, I can triumph if you affirm my abilities
When I've reached the point of thinking life's not worth the bother
When I feel like life is not worth the effort and trouble
When I can't seem to give what life demands
When I struggle to meet the expectations and requirements of life
When it seems impossible to make it any farther
When it appears that progressing further is unachievable
I can go on, if you say I can
I can continue moving forward if you express your belief in me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOLLY PARTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind