Parton began performing as a child, singing on local radio and television in East Tennessee. At age 12 she was appearing on Knoxville TV, and at 13, she was recording on a small label and appearing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. When she graduated from high school in 1964 she moved to Nashville, taking many traditional elements of folklore and popular music from East Tennessee with her.
Parton's initial success came as a songwriter, with her songs being covered by Kitty Wells, Hank Williams, Jr., Skeeter Davis, and a number of others. She signed with Monument Records in late 1965, where she was initially pitched as a bubblegum pop singer, earning only one national chart single, "Happy, Happy Birthday Baby," which did not crack the Billboard Top 100. Additional pop singles also failed to chart.
The label agreed to have Parton sing country music after her composition "Put It Off Until Tomorrow" as recorded by Bill Phillips (and with Parton, uncredited, on harmony) went to No. 6 on the country charts in 1966. Her first country single, "Dumb Blonde" (one of the few songs during this era that she recorded but didn't write), reached No. 24 country 1967, followed later the same year with "Something Fishy," which went to No. 17. The two songs anchored her first full-length album, Hello I'm Dolly, that same year.
In 1967, Parton was asked to join the weekly syndicated country music TV program hosted by Porter Wagoner, replacing Norma Jean. She also signed with RCA Records, Wagoner's label, during this period, where she would remain for the next two decades. Wagoner and Parton immediately began a hugely successful career as a vocal duet in addition to their solo work and their first single together, a cover of Tom Paxton's "The Last Thing on My Mind," reached the top ten on the U.S. country charts in late 1967, and was the first of over a dozen duet singles to chart for them during the next several years.
Parton is a hugely successful songwriter, having begun by writing country songs with strong elements of folk music in them based upon her upbringing in humble mountain surroundings. Her songs "Coat of Many Colors" and "Jolene" have become classics in the field, as have a number of others. As a composer, she is also regarded as one of country music's most gifted storytellers, with many of her narrative songs based on persons and events from her childhood.
In 1982 Dolly Parton sang her song "I Will Always Love You", for the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", starring Parton and Burt Reynolds. The song - originally composed around 1974 - made few ripples, but it wasn't until Whitney Houston re-recorded it for "The Bodyguard" a decade later, that the song made yet another international hit for Dolly Parton. She later put out her own version on the 1996 album of the same name.
In 1987, Parton left her longtime label, RCA, and signed with Columbia Records, where her recording career continued to prosper, but by the mid 1990s, Parton, along with many other performers of her generation, found that her new music was not welcome on country radio playlists. She recorded a series of critically acclaimed bluegrass albums, beginning with "The Grass is Blue" (1999) and "Little Sparrow" (2001), both of which won Grammy Awards. Her 2002 album "Halos and Horns" included a bluegrass version of the Led Zeppelin classic Stairway to Heaven. In 2005, Parton released Those Were The Days, her interpretation of hits from the folk-rock era of the late 1960s through early 1970s. The CD featured such classics as John Lennon's "Imagine," Cat Stevens' "Where Do The Children Play," Tommy James' "Crimson & Clover," and the folk classic "Where Have All The Flowers Gone", as well as the title track.
In 2007, Dolly paved new musical ground by forming her own record label, Dolly Records. The label's first release - Backwoods Barbie - debuted at #2 on the Billboard country albums charts and marks Parton's first mainstream country album in 17 years. Parton is touring North America and Europe throughout 2008 in support of her latest release.
1955
Christmas Time
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The spirits up
We're here tonight
And that's enough
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
The feelin's here
That only comes
This time of year
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
The choir of children sing their song
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding oh
Oh
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
The word is out
About the town
To lift a glass
Ah don't look down
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
The choir of children sing their song
They practiced all year long
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding dong
Ding dong, ding dong
The party's on
The spirits up
We're here tonight
And that's enough
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
The moon is right
The spirits up
We're here tonight
And that's enough
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
Oh
Christmas time
The lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Christmas Time" capture the joyful and festive atmosphere of the holiday season. The first verse sets the scene, with the moon shining brightly and the spirits being high. The singer acknowledges that being together with loved ones during this time is all they need to feel content and happy.
The chorus repeats the phrase "Simply having a wonderful Christmas time," emphasizing the simplicity and beauty of enjoying the holiday season. It suggests that the essence of Christmas lies in the joy and happiness that can be found in the present moment, rather than in material possessions or extravagant celebrations.
In the second verse, it is mentioned that the party has begun and the special feeling that arises during this time of year is present. It implies that Christmas brings about a unique atmosphere that is full of joy, warmth, and love.
The bridge introduces the chorus of children singing their song, with the repeated lines of "Ding dong, ding dong." This adds an element of innocence and childlike wonder to the song, highlighting the traditional and joyful aspects of Christmas.
In the final verse, it is mentioned that the word has spread throughout the town about the festivities and people are encouraged to raise a glass and celebrate. The lyrics convey the idea that Christmas is a time to come together, enjoy each other's company, and embrace the festive spirit.
The song concludes with a repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the message of simply finding happiness and contentment in the simple joys of Christmas. It underscores the importance of cherishing the present moment and the joy that can be found during this special time of year.
Line by Line Meaning
The moon is right
The night sky is perfectly illuminated.
The spirits up
Everyone is in high spirits and feeling joyful.
We're here tonight
We have gathered together tonight.
And that's enough
Being in each other's company is all we need.
Simply having a wonderful Christmas time
The joy of the holiday season is all that matters.
The party's on
The festivities have begun.
The feelin's here
The atmosphere is filled with happiness.
That only comes
This feeling only occurs
This time of year
During the holiday season.
The choir of children sing their song
The group of young singers perform their melodic tune.
Ding dong, ding dong
The sound of bells ringing joyfully.
Ding dong, ding oh
The joyful sound continues.
Oh
Expresses excitement or joy.
The word is out
People are spreading the news.
About the town
Throughout the entire community.
To lift a glass
To raise a drink in celebration.
Ah don't look down
Don't let your spirits dampen.
They practiced all year long
The children rehearsed their song diligently for an entire year.
Ding dong, ding dong
The sound of bells ringing joyfully continues.
Ding dong, ding dong
The joyful sound of bells persists.
The party's on
The festivities have commenced.
The spirits up
Everyone is joyful and in good spirits.
We're here tonight
We have gathered together tonight.
And that's enough
Being together is sufficient.
Oh
Expresses excitement or joy.
Christmas time
The holiday season.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@usa3349
Lyrics:
Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far they'll all lose track
Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
Maybe I'll clear my junk
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
Me, I'll be just
Fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down
I'll be fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down
Hey, maybe I'll learn to sew
Maybe I'll just lie low
Maybe I'll hit the bars
Maybe I'll count the stars until dawn
Me, I will go on
Maybe I'll settle down
Maybe I'll just leave town
Maybe I'll have some fun
Maybe I'll meet someone and make him mine
Me, I'll be just
Fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down
I'll be fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down
I'll be fine and dandy
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
But still I won't let
Sorrow bring me way down
'Cause I'll be fine
I'll be fine
Oh, I'll be fine
@MALTESEFALCON1
I lost my home of 22 years to a fire last week. I'm in a hotel listening to this over and over. Fighting with my emotions and faith in God. I've had too many times of hardship to give up. If you read this say a prayer for an old veteran who loves America and its people. My name is Franco.
@joypolly8291
prayers sent Franco. Thank you for your service and bless you. Bless you for never giving up. Bless you for being resilient. Bless you....
@dianeroth2857
Praying for you, friend. God finds a way. ❤
@job2358
My love to you xx
@sunrisesunset7031
I sure will my friend ❤. I’m not a veteran but I love to help everyone. I pray that your path grows sweeter for you everyday and that God comforts you through any healing process. I too have had great lessons on my path. I listen to this song almost daily. Dolly has such a comforting voice. I love this song and how it lifts my spirits so fast. ❤sending Love and Light your way my friend❤️
@joelsheptock9793
Its going to be okay Mr. Franco. Thank you for the love because I too am an American. Thanks for your service. Blessings and peace.
@melissabrowning7534
Great song makes u just think about your life
@LadyBama
My Dad is 92 years old, and this will be his last Christmas with me. I’ve already lost my Mom and brother,and he is tired. Luckily, he finally realized that I have a wonderful husband, who helping me take care of him. Merry Christmas everyone!!!
@aobfgzdgazlk-kj5ot
bless you
@doorkicker8507
😞