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
Eagle When She Flies
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's been there, God knows, she's been there
She has seen and done it all
She's a woman, she know how to
Dish it out or take it all
Her heart's as soft as feathers
Still she weathers stormy skies
But she's an eagle when she flies
A kaleidoscope of colors
You can toss her around and round
You can keep her in you vision
But you'll never keep her down
She's a lover, she's a mother
She's a friend and she's a wife
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
Gentle as the sweet magnolia
Strong as steel, her faith and pride
She's an everlasting shoulder
She's the leaning post of life
She hurts deep and when she weeps
She's just as fragile as a child
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
She's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
Oh, bless her, Lord
She's an eagle when she flies
In her song "Eagle When She Flies," Dolly Parton pays tribute to the strength and resilience of women. She describes a woman who has weathered many storms and seen and done it all. Despite this, her heart remains soft and gentle like feathers. When she is broken, she is like a sparrow, but when she rises above her struggles, she is like an eagle soaring in the sky.
Parton uses powerful imagery to describe this woman's strength. She likens her to a kaleidoscope of colors, something versatile and ever-changing that can never be kept down. The woman's roles as a mother, friend, wife, and lover are all highlighted, emphasizing the many aspects of a woman's life that require strength and resilience.
Parton also acknowledges the vulnerability of this woman, noting that when she hurts and weeps, she is as fragile as a child. But despite this vulnerability, she is always an eagle when she flies. Parton blesses this woman and asks for divine protection over her.
Overall, "Eagle When She Flies" is a powerful tribute to the strength and resilience of women, acknowledging their many roles and complexities while celebrating their ability to rise above adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
She's been there, God knows, she's been there
This woman has been through a lot in her life, and only God knows the extent of what she has faced.
She has seen and done it all
She has experienced a wide range of things in her life and has lived a full life.
She's a woman, she know how to
This woman knows how to handle herself in any situation that comes her way, due to her life experience.
Dish it out or take it all
She can handle tough situations and can either take on challenges or give them out to others.
Her heart's as soft as feathers
Despite her tough exterior, she has a kind and gentle heart.
Still she weathers stormy skies
Even when faced with tough times, she is able to persevere through and come out strong.
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
When she's faced with difficult times or heartbreak, she may feel small and fragile like a sparrow.
But she's an eagle when she flies
Despite these tough times, she is able to rise above and soar like an eagle.
A kaleidoscope of colors
This woman is full of complexity and a wide range of emotions, much like a kaleidoscope displays a range of colors.
You can toss her around and round
Others may try to cause her instability or confusion, but she is able to stay grounded through it all.
You can keep her in you vision
Others may try to control or monitor her, but ultimately they cannot limit or restrict her.
But you'll never keep her down
No matter what the circumstances, she will always rise up and keep going.
She's a lover, she's a mother
She has a nurturing side, as shown through her roles as a lover and mother.
She's a friend and she's a wife
She is also devoted to her friendships and relationships as a wife.
Gentle as the sweet magnolia
Like the sweet magnolia flower, she has a gentle, kind nature.
Strong as steel, her faith and pride
Yet she is also incredibly strong and has a steadfast faith and pride in herself and her values.
She's an everlasting shoulder
Others can always rely on her for support and comfort, like an everlasting shoulder to lean on.
She's the leaning post of life
She is the reliable foundation that others can always turn to for guidance and strength.
She hurts deep and when she weeps
Despite her strength, she still experiences pain and sorrow deeply.
She's just as fragile as a child
In these moments of vulnerability, she may feel as delicate and fragile as a child.
She's a sparrow when she's broken
These moments of fragility may make her feel small and vulnerable, like a sparrow.
But she's an eagle when she flies
However, she is able to rise above these tough times and soar like an eagle once again.
Oh, bless her, Lord
This line is a plea or a prayer for God to bless and protect this remarkable woman.
She's an eagle when she flies
Once again, this line emphasizes the strength, resilience, and soaring spirit of this amazing woman.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOLLY PARTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mygrandbabies1
She's been there, God knows, she's been there
She has seen and done it all
She's a woman, she know how to
Dish it out or take it all
Her heart's as soft as feathers
Still she weathers stormy skies
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
A kaleidoscope of colors
You can toss her around and round
You can keep her in you vision
But you'll never keep her down
She's a lover, she's a mother
She's a friend and she's a wife
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
Gentle as the sweet magnolia
Strong as steel, her faith and pride
She's an everlasting shoulder
She's the leaning post of life
She hurts deep and when she weeps
She's just as fragile as a child
And she's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
She's a sparrow when she's broken
But she's an eagle when she flies
Oh, bless her, Lord
She's an eagle when she flies
@themartins2937
2024 ,anyone ??😢
@susankaplan153
March 2024!
@la_bouge
Everyday to help me battle depression
@pr.tobiastahvanainen9234
Yup! Absolutely LOVE this Dolly song, I love ALL. But this one's certainly way up there on my Dolly chart!! 👸🏼🎙
@brandydingess6658
I'm here❤
@blessingjemtai2369
April 2nd
@aDarkRedJungle
I am American. My wife is Indian. I have spent most of my adult life overseas. There a lot of things I don't like about my own country. But Dolly Parton reminds me of what's right in my homeland. Every time I listen to these songs, I miss my home. I am not a religious guy, but God bless you, Dolly. I am 10,000 miles from my home, but you make me feel like I'm there.
@brendamyers6320
Bless You..
@jusessson4637
Hoooo hope you are service man
@susieq3456
Love the song and I just found it! Also rest assured there are things we are not going to like about Every country. United States is still the best!