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
I Believe
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows
I believe for everyone who goes astray
Someone will come to show the way
Yes I believe, Oh I believe
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
Then I know why I believe
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
Then I know why I believe
I believe
Oh I believe
The lyrics to Dolly Parton's song, "I Believe" convey a message of hope and faith. The first verse of the song, "I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows. And I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows," signifies that every negative situation has a positive aspect. Even in the darkest of times when hope seems lost, there is always a flicker of light that can be found. The second verse, "I believe for everyone who goes astray, someone will come to show the way," portrays the belief that we are not alone in our journey through life. There is always someone who will guide us back on the right path.
The chorus, "Yes I believe, oh I believe. I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard. I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word," emphasizes the importance of faith in one's life. The belief that prayers will be answered, and that there is someone listening and guiding us, even in our darkest moments, is a comforting thought. The final verse repeats the sentiment that the singer's belief is reinforced every time they witness the beauty of nature, such as a newborn baby's cry, touching a leaf, or seeing the sky.
Overall, the lyrics of "I Believe" promote a message of hope, faith, and perseverance. The song encourages listeners to look beyond their current struggles and to hold onto the belief that things will get better.
Line by Line Meaning
I believe for every drop of rain that falls, a flower grows
I believe that every seemingly negative circumstance has the potential to bring something beautiful and positive.
And I believe that somewhere in the darkest night a candle glows
I believe that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope in the form of a good person or deed.
I believe for everyone who goes astray
I believe that for anyone who may lose their way in life, there is always someone or something that will help guide them back to the right path.
Someone will come to show the way
This serves as a reminder that even when we feel lost or alone, there is always someone who cares and is willing to guide us.
Yes I believe, Oh I believe
The repetition here emphasizes the singer's strong conviction and unwavering faith in what she believes.
I believe above the storm the smallest prayer will still be heard
Even when life seems chaotic and overwhelming, the power of someone's thoughts or prayers can still make a difference.
I believe that someone in the great somewhere hears every word
The belief that a higher power or force is always listening, comforting, and guiding us through life.
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
The sound of a newborn baby's cry represents the purity and innocence of life, reminding the singer of the beauty in the world and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
The simple, natural beauty of the world - embodied by the changing of seasons, the colors of a sunset, or the rustling of leaves - reaffirms the singer's belief in the goodness of life and the world around us.
Every time I hear a newborn baby cry
The sound of a newborn baby's cry represents the purity and innocence of life, reminding the singer of the beauty in the world and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Or touch a leaf or see the sky
The simple, natural beauty of the world - embodied by the changing of seasons, the colors of a sunset, or the rustling of leaves - reaffirms the singer's belief in the goodness of life and the world around us.
Then I know why I believe
The beauty and wonder of the world around us serves as a constant reminder of the goodness that exists, giving the singer the strength and conviction to pursue her beliefs.
I believe
In summary, this line emphasizes that the singer's belief is an integral part of who she is and what motivates her through life.
Oh I believe
The repetition emphasizes the singer's unwavering faith and determination to hold onto her beliefs, no matter what.
Lyrics © ESTATE OF IRVING GRAHAM
Written by: CONNIE HOWARD, REBEKAH THORNTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@explodingtatertots6301
This was my childhood song. c: So much family memories. I fell even more in love with Dolly's songs after I saw the "coat of many colors". It really touched my heart, especially since I'm getting baptized soon.
@keyboardbeats
I remember grandpa listening to this this touches his heart every time I am grateful he is still here with me here or there he will always be a hero and inspiration to me....I love you grandpa for I have seen the owl and hopefully it's not your time or mine...
@sheila337crawford7
I loooove this song! I believe what you are singing. You and Elvis have done the song justice! It touches my heart so much. God is listening! My parents and brother are waiting for me in Heaven. I BELIEVE!
@everlyntalam8655
sheila337 Crawford
its a great song .I love this
@ceitivieira71
@Lelgo Fashions .l.
@fradreckmutongi6003
Yes I believe. I still love your voice Dolly.
@boridewi7051
love this song. anybody know where i could find a live version?
@sheliaanderson7246
I feel your belief when you sing this Dolly.