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
Hard Candy Christmas
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe I'll move somewhere
Maybe I'll get a car
Maybe I'll drive so far
That I'll lose track
Me, I'll bounce right back
Maybe I'll sleep real late
Maybe I'll lose some weight
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
The song "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton is a song about resilience and finding strength in difficult times. The lyrics describe a person who is going through a tough period in their life, but who refuses to give up and instead focuses on making changes to improve their situation. The line "maybe I'll dye my hair, maybe I'll move somewhere, maybe I'll get a car" suggests that the singer is considering reinventing themselves, perhaps as a way of coping with the challenges they are facing. The line "maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine" hints that the singer is looking for a temporary escape from their problems, but ultimately refuses to let sorrow bring them down.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas" which is a metaphor for the idea that even though times are tough, there is still something sweet and enjoyable to be found. The singer acknowledges that they are "barely getting through tomorrow" but still believes that they will be "fine and dandy" in spite of everything.
Overall, "Hard Candy Christmas" is a hopeful song that speaks to the resilience and determination of people in difficult situations. It encourages listeners to keep going and to look for the sweetness in life, even when times are tough.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey, maybe I'll dye my hair
I'm thinking about making a change to my appearance to distract myself from my troubles.
Maybe I'll move somewhere
I'm considering changing my environment to escape my problems.
Maybe I'll get a car
I might treat myself to something nice to lift my spirits.
Maybe I'll drive so far
I might hit the road and just keep going until I feel better.
That I'll lose track
I might get so caught up in the moment that I forget about my worries.
Me, I'll bounce right back
I'm a resilient person, and I know I'll recover from this difficult time.
Maybe I'll sleep real late
I might try to catch up on rest to improve my mood.
Maybe I'll lose some weight
I might try to focus on my health and fitness to boost my self-confidence.
Maybe I'll clear my junk
I might organize my belongings to create a sense of order and control.
Maybe I'll just get drunk on apple wine
I might indulge in something that makes me feel good temporarily, even if it's not the healthiest choice.
Me, I'll be just
As for me, I will be okay.
Fine and dandy
Despite my struggles, I will remain upbeat and positive.
Lord, it's like a hard candy Christmas
This time of year is tough, but I'm making the best of it.
I'm barely getting through tomorrow
Every day is a challenge, but I'm doing my best to cope.
But still I won't let
Despite the difficulties, I won't allow myself to be consumed by sadness.
Sorrow bring me way down
I won't allow my struggles to define me or dictate how I feel.
Hey, maybe I'll learn to sew
I might try out a new hobby to take my mind off things.
Maybe I'll just lie low
I might take some time to be alone and reflect on my situation.
Maybe I'll hit the bars
I might go out and socialize to distract myself from my troubles.
Maybe I'll count the stars until dawn
I might spend some time appreciating the beauty of the world and finding moments of joy.
Me, I will go on
Despite everything, I will keep moving forward.
Maybe I'll settle down
I might try to create stability in my life to reduce stress.
Maybe I'll just leave town
I might need to escape completely to find peace and clarity.
Maybe I'll have some fun
I might take a break from stress and have a good time to raise my spirits.
Maybe I'll meet someone
There could be new people in my future who will bring positivity and joy.
And make him mine
I might pursue a romantic relationship to experience love and companionship.
I'll be fine and dandy
Despite everything, I will remain positive and resilient.
Cause I'll be fine (I'll be fine)
I will get through this difficult time and emerge stronger.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carol Grisham Hall
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
😞