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
Everyday Hero
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He takes the train into the city
To him it's more than just a working day
Cause he knows he can change the world in his ordinary way
She's got a job, she has a family
She tries to keep them both together
She's barely getting by, saving everything she makes
Day by day it seems it's getting harder to win
How much longer, ready for their ship to come in
These are the times of the everyday hero
This is the battlefield of the working man
Trying to survive, staying alive, giving it all that he can
With a fire in his soul that keeps burning
And a dream in her heart that won't die
Living day to day, there's no easy way in this everyday life
They started out as high school sweethearts
He promised her a life of luxury
And though they don't have riches they have everything they need
The eyes of her child are her diamonds
The gift of his love are her pearls
Together they plan, taking a stand to make this a better world
But never breaking, knowing that their dreams will begin
Getting stronger in each other's arms
These are the times of the everyday hero
This is the battlefield of the modern world
There's a spirit inside that keeps us alive, giving it all that we can
With a fire in our soul that keeps burning
And a dream in our hearts that won't die
Living day to day, there's no easy way in this everyday life
Everybody has a special reason
There's a chosen road to follow
Just remember nothing good comes easy
Don't surrender till you you find your rainbow
These are the times of the everyday hero
This is the battlefield of the working man
Trying to survive, staying alive, giving it all that he can
With a fire in his soul that keeps burning
And a dream in her heart that won't die
Living day to day, there's no easy way in this everyday life
These are the times of the everyday hero
This is the battlefield of the modern world
There's a spirit inside that keeps us alive, giving it all that we can
With a fire in our soul that keeps burning
And a dream in our hearts that won't die
Living day to day, there's no easy way in this everyday life
In "Everyday Hero," Dolly Parton explores the lives of ordinary individuals who face daily challenges, yet continue to persevere and make a difference in their own unique ways. The song acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices that people make in their everyday lives, emphasizing their resilience and unwavering spirit.
The lyrics highlight two specific stories. The first is about a man who takes the train into the city, viewing his work as more than just a job. He believes that he can change the world in his ordinary way. Meanwhile, a woman balances her job and family responsibilities, struggling to make ends meet but saving whatever she can. Despite the difficulties they face, their determination never wavers.
The song also describes a couple who started as high school sweethearts. Although they may not have material wealth, they have everything they need. The woman treasures the innocence and joy in her child's eyes, considering them as valuable as diamonds, while the love of her partner is like precious pearls. Together, they make plans to take a stand and make the world a better place.
Throughout the song, Parton emphasizes the strength and resilience of everyday heroes. These individuals face the challenges of the modern world and the battlefield of everyday life, yet they continue to give everything they have, fueled by a fire in their souls and dreams that refuse to die. The lyrics encourage listeners to remember that everyone has a special reason and a chosen road to follow. They urge us to persevere and not give up until we find our own personal rainbow, and to recognize that living day to day is not easy, but it is in these struggles that true heroism is found.
Line by Line Meaning
He takes the train into the city
He commutes to work, valuing the opportunity to make a difference.
To him it's more than just a working day
His job holds deeper significance and purpose.
Cause he knows he can change the world in his ordinary way
He believes in his ability to make a positive impact, even through small actions.
She's got a job, she has a family
She balances work and family responsibilities.
She tries to keep them both together
She strives to maintain harmony in her personal and professional life.
She's barely getting by, saving everything she makes
She faces financial struggles but remains determined to save whatever she can.
Day by day it seems it's getting harder to win
Each day brings new challenges and obstacles to overcome.
How much longer, ready for their ship to come in
They eagerly await a breakthrough or opportunity for success.
These are the times of the everyday hero
These are the moments when ordinary people step up and become heroes.
This is the battlefield of the working man
Life can be tough and demanding, resembling a battlefield for those trying to succeed.
Trying to survive, staying alive, giving it all that he can
They strive to survive and thrive, putting forth their best effort.
With a fire in his soul that keeps burning
They possess an undying passion and motivation.
And a dream in her heart that won't die
They hold onto their aspirations and refuse to let them fade away.
Living day to day, there's no easy way in this everyday life
They face the challenges of everyday life, which is far from easy.
They started out as high school sweethearts
They began their relationship as young and in love.
He promised her a life of luxury
He vowed to provide her with a life filled with comfort and opulence.
And though they don't have riches they have everything they need
Despite lacking material wealth, they have all they truly require for happiness.
The eyes of her child are her diamonds
Her greatest treasures are the loving gaze of her child.
The gift of his love are her pearls
The affection and devotion of her partner are her most valuable possessions.
Together they plan, taking a stand to make this a better world
Unified, they strategize and act to create a more positive world.
But never breaking, knowing that their dreams will begin
They remain resilient, confident that their dreams will eventually materialize.
Getting stronger in each other's arms
Their bond grows more powerful and uplifting with each passing moment.
Everybody has a special reason
Every individual has a unique purpose and motivation.
There's a chosen road to follow
There is a path specifically meant for each person to pursue.
Just remember nothing good comes easy
They are reminded that worthwhile achievements require effort and perseverance.
Don't surrender till you find your rainbow
They should never give up until they discover their own symbol of hope and success.
This is the battlefield of the modern world
The challenges they face are emblematic of the contemporary era.
There's a spirit inside that keeps us alive, giving it all that we can
A driving force within them sustains their existence, compelling them to give their utmost.
With a fire in our soul that keeps burning
Their passion remains steadfast and unyielding.
And a dream in our hearts that won't die
Their aspirations persist in their hearts, refusing to fade away.
Living day to day, there's no easy way in this everyday life
They face the challenges of everyday life, which is far from easy.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT O'HEARN, BLAISE TOSTI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Romy K.
on Gypsy Joe And Me
As a matter of fact she's contemplating suicide standing on the bridge, that's how they'll be together again.