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
Circle of Love
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Circle of love, halo of light
When Jesus was born, on that Christmas night
And oh what a night, that Holy night was
When Bethlehem glowed, in the circle of love
God sent His Son, His great gift to us
We honour and praise, that gift from above
He holds all of us, in a circle of love
Circle of love, halo of light
When Jesus was born, on that Christmas night
And oh what a night, that Holy night was
When Bethlehem glowed, in a circle of love
Happy birthday to You, we praise and we sing
We celebrate You, we are so glad You came
Happy birthday dear Jesus, let us lift You up
How thankful we are, for all of Your love
So Jesus was born
Wore His crown of thorns
And He gave it all up
To save all of us
Circle of love, halo of light
When Jesus was born (Jesus was born)
On that Christmas night (Christmas night)
And oh, what a night, that Holy night was
When Bethlehem glowed, in a circle of love (ooh)
Ah
A circle of love, circle of love
The lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Circle of Love" beautifully describe the profound significance of Jesus' birth on Christmas night. The song speaks of the circle of love surrounding the event, represented by a halo of light. It begins by acknowledging the night when Jesus was born, describing it as a holy and extraordinary moment. The lyrics suggest that Bethlehem was illuminated by this circle of love, symbolizing the divine presence and the immense love that Jesus brought into the world.
The song then reflects on the great gift that God sent in the form of His Son. Jesus' birth is seen as an act of love and salvation for all of humanity. The lyrics emphasize the gratitude and reverence felt towards this gift from above, expressing that Jesus holds everyone within the circle of love. This imagery brings forth the idea of divine protection, guidance, and unconditional love that Jesus offers to all those who believe in him.
The second verse celebrates the birthday of Jesus, where the listener is invited to praise and sing in honor of his arrival. It recognizes the joy and gratitude felt for Jesus coming into the world. The lyrics also acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice, wearing the crown of thorns and giving up his life to save humanity. This further emphasizes the depth of love and selflessness embodied by Jesus' birth and the circle of love surrounding it.
Overall, "Circle of Love" showcases the profound significance of Jesus' birth and the infinite love and salvation that it represents. It highlights the transformative power that this event holds for humanity, resonating with the joy and gratitude experienced during the Christmas season.
Line by Line Meaning
Circle of love, halo of light
The unbreakable bond of love and the divine presence that surrounds it
When Jesus was born, on that Christmas night
The miraculous moment when Jesus, the Savior, came into the world on Christmas
And oh what a night, that Holy night was
A night filled with awe and holiness
When Bethlehem glowed, in the circle of love
The town of Bethlehem shimmered with the radiant love and grace of Jesus' birth
God sent His Son, His great gift to us
God, out of His immeasurable love, bestowed His Son upon humanity as a precious gift
Salvation for all, He loved us that much
Jesus' birth brought the opportunity for redemption and eternal salvation to all because of God's boundless love
We honour and praise, that gift from above
We express our reverence and adoration for the divine gift of Jesus
He holds all of us, in a circle of love
Jesus embraces and cares for each of us within the infinite circle of His love
Happy birthday to You, we praise and we sing
We joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus and offer our worship and songs of praise
We celebrate You, we are so glad You came
We rejoice and express our profound gratitude for Jesus' coming into our lives
Happy birthday dear Jesus, let us lift You up
With great joy, we exalt and honor Jesus on His special day
How thankful we are, for all of Your love
We express our deep gratitude for the immeasurable love that Jesus pours upon us
So Jesus was born
The miraculous birth of Jesus occurred
Wore His crown of thorns
Jesus, in His selfless sacrifice, would later bear the painful burden of the crown of thorns
And He gave it all up
Jesus willingly surrendered His life for the salvation of humanity
To save all of us
His ultimate purpose was to redeem and rescue all of humanity
A circle of love, circle of love
The eternal and boundless love that encompasses and unites us all
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
missmelly98
Circle of love, halo of light
When Jesus was born, on that Christmas night
And oh what a night! That Holy night was
When Bethlehem glowed, in the circle of love
God sent his Son, His great gift to us
Salvation for all, He loved us that much
We honour and praise, that gift from above
He holds all of us, in the circle of love
Circle of love, halo of light
When Jesus was born, on that Christmas night
And oh what a night! That Holy night was
When Bethlehem glowed, in the circle of love
Happy birthday to You, we praise and we sing
We celebrate You, we're so glad You came
Happy birthday dear Jesus, let us lift You up
How thankful we are, for all of Your love
So Jesus was born, wore His crown of thorns
And He gave it all up, to save all of us
Circle of love, halo of light
When Jesus was born, on that Christmas night
And oh what a night! That Holy night was
When Bethlehem glowed, in the circle of love
A circle of love
Cirrcle of love
Jonathan Smith
I just love this song we need this now more than anything God bless all mankind xx
LittleMa57
Amen
Lele Nelson
Amen
Jacob Green
I've wanted a recording of this to play during Christmas in my car for so long!!!! I'm so excited!!!!!
lukebarnes02
I always listened to the live version she did for the voice. Rhey removed it from youtube thougg
Jacob Green
lukebarnes02 me too it stinks they removed it but at least we got this one!
James Crowell
My mother will be doing this song at our church in sign language! This song is such a beautiful song! Thank you Dolly!!❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sandra Pharr
Everyone should here this Year as a reminder of all that was given to us and why we should love and care for each other, As he cares for us and takes care of us.
marching bears
Right we are all the same no matter what color we shall all get together were all gods children we shall gather and learn to love each other
Paul LaCamera
That's cool. You're very smart. God bless you, Sandra..!! How are you doing today I hope you enjoyed the sweet melody of Dolly's song Right 👍? Coz I'm a big fan of Dolly Parton.💞😇👀