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
Joshua
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There was this little old rundown shack
And in it lived a man I'd never seen
Folks said he was a mean and a vicious man
And you better not set foot on his land
But I didn't think nobody could be that mean
So I took me out walking down the railroad track I was a-gonna go down to that little old shack
And just find out if all them things I'd heard was true
There was a big black dog laying out in the yard
And it growled at me and I swallowed hard
And I heard somebody say, "well, who are you?"
Oh, and there he stood in the door of that shack
And his beard and his hair was long and black
And he was the biggest man I'd ever seen
When he spoke his voice was low and deep
But he just didn't frighten me
'Cause somehow I just knew he wasn't mean
He said, "What you doing snooping 'round my place?"
Then I saw a smile come across his face
So I smiled back and I told him who I was
He said come on in and pull you up a chair
You might as well since you already here
And he said, "You can call me Joshua"
Joshua, Joshua
Whatcha doing living here all alone?
Joshua, Joshua
Ain't you got nobody to call your own?
No no, no no
We talked 'til the sun was clean out of sight And we still talkin' when it come daylight
And there was just so much we had to say
I'd spent my life in an orphan's home
And just like him I was all alone
So I said, "Yeah," when he asked if I'd stay
Oh, we grew closer as time went on
And that little old shack it was a happy home
And we just couldn't help but fall in love
That big black dog and that little old shack
Sitting down by the railroad track
It's plenty good enough for me and Joshua
Joshua, Joshua
Why you're just what I've been looking for
Joshua, Joshua
You ain't gonna be lonesome anymore
No no
Yodel-a-he-ho la-he-he-he-he-he
Pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa
Me and Joshua
Me and Joshua
Me and Joshua, yeah yeah
Me and Joshua
Dolly Parton's song Joshua tells the story of a woman who comes across a little old shack down the railroad track where she meets a man named Joshua. Initially, she is warned by the local folks that Joshua is a mean and a vicious man, but she wanted to go and find out if all the things she had heard were true. She meets a big black dog in the yard who growls at her, but she proceeds to meet Joshua at the doorway. Joshua, who has long black hair and a beard, speaks in a low, deep voice, but the woman is not afraid of him and they strike up a conversation. She tells him about her life growing up in an orphanage, and he tells her about his life living alone in the shack.
The two of them are both alone and have nobody to call their own. They talk all night and into the daylight, and they fall in love. The song depicts the idea that love can grow in the most unlikely places, and one should not judge someone by their appearance or reputation. The singer finds a true friend and love in Joshua, who becomes her companion in his rundown shack, and they are content to live by the railroad track with their big black dog.
Line by Line Meaning
Well a good ways down the railroad track
Dolly Parton sets the scene of where the encounter with Joshua takes place.
There was this little old rundown shack
She describes the location of where Joshua lives.
And in it lived a man I'd never seen
She indicates that her curiosity led her to approach Joshua's place.
Folks said he was a mean and a vicious man
Dolly Parton mentions that some people warned her about Joshua's reputation.
And you better not set foot on his land
She reiterates the warning she received about Joshua and his property.
But I didn't think nobody could be that mean
Despite the rumors about Joshua, Dolly Parton was skeptical of such accusations.
So I took me out walking down the railroad track
She took the opportunity to explore and see if Joshua was really as mean as people say.
I was a-gonna go down to that little old shack
Her curiosity led her towards Joshua's house and she wanted to find out more about him.
And just find out if all them things I'd heard was true
She was determined to confirm the rumors about how evil Joshua was.
There was a big black dog laying out in the yard
Dolly Parton describes Joshua's surroundings to paint an image in the listener's head.
And it growled at me and I swallowed hard
Dolly Parton was afraid of Joshua's dog but continued to press on towards the house.
And I heard somebody say well who are you
She heard Joshua's voice coming from inside the house, asking her to reveal herself.
Oh and there he stood in the door of that shack
Dolly Parton describes the moment that she sees Joshua for the first time.
His beard and his hair was long and black
She gives a detailed description of Joshua's appearance.
And he was the biggest man I'd ever seen
Dolly Parton made it clear that Joshua was a physically large individual.
When he spoke his voice was low and deep
Dolly Parton reveals more about Joshua's voice and how he sounds.
But he just didn't frighten me
Despite Joshua's intimidating appearance and rumors, Dolly Parton was not afraid of him.
Cause somehow I just knew he wasn't mean
She explains that she was confident that Joshua was not as bad as people thought he was.
He said 'what you doing snooping 'round my place?'
Joshua confronts Dolly Parton about what she's doing at his house.
And I saw a smile come across his face
She noticed that Joshua was not unpleasant to her but, in fact, smiled.
So I smiled back and I told him who I was
Dolly Parton introduced herself to Joshua.
He said come on in and pull you up a chair
Joshua invites Dolly Parton into his home and offers her a seat.
You might as well since you already here
Joshua suggests Dolly Parton should stay for a while since she's already at his home.
And he said 'you can call me Joshua'
Joshua introduces himself properly to Dolly Parton.
We talked 'til the sun was clean out of sight
Dolly Parton and Joshua spent a lot of time talking and getting to know each other.
And we still talking when it come daylight
Even after spending the night, Dolly Parton and Joshua continued their conversation.
And there was just so much we had to say, hey
She emphasizes that there was a lot of talking to be done between the two.
I'd spent my life in an orphan's home
Dolly Parton reveals some of the details of her upbringing.
And just like him I was all alone
Dolly Parton and Joshua were both lonely individuals.
So I said yeah when he asked if I'd stay
Dolly Parton decided to stay with Joshua for a while longer.
Oh we grew closer as time went on
Dolly Parton and Joshua's relationship became stronger over time.
And that little old shack it was a happy home
The two of them found happiness in each other's company and the little shack that they lived in.
And we just couldn't help but fall in love
Dolly Parton and Joshua fell in love with each other.
That big black dog and that little old shack
She references the dog again and Joshua's home to close out the song.
Sitting down by the railroad track
Dolly Parton is painting a final picture of their home by the railroad track.
It's plenty good enough for me and Joshua
She shows her happiness with their life together and their home.
Why you're just what I've been looking for
Dolly Parton reveals that she found what she had been searching for in Joshua.
You ain't gonna be lonesome anymore
Dolly Parton makes it known that she plans to stay with Joshua for a long time to come.
Me and Joshua
Dolly Parton is closing the song by repeating their names and showing their bond.
Me and Joshua
Continuation of the previous line.
Me and Joshua, yeah yeah
Finalization of the previous lines.
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shauncampbell969
Hello
I.have had these albums:
Touch Your Woman,
First Harvest, New Gathering,
9 to 5 and Odd Jobs,
Great Balls of Fire,
The Bargin Store.
I love all of Dolly's music.
Also I saw Dolly when she gave a free outdoor, concert in the park( Great Balls of Fire) and got the key to the city of NYC. I also got an autograph from Gregg Perry.
All the best Shaun of NYC
@jujufiji654
Well a good ways down the railroad track
There was this little old rundown shack
And in it lived a man I'd never seen
Folks said he was a mean and a vicious man
And you better not set foot on his land
But I didn't think nobody could be that mean
So I took me out walking down the railroad track
I was a-gonna go down to that little old shack
And just find out if all them things I'd heard was true
There was a big black dog laying out in the yard
And it growled at me and I swallowed hard
And I heard somebody say well who are you
Oh and there he stood in the door of that shack
His beard and his hair was long and black
And he was the biggest man I'd ever seen
When he spoke his voice was low and deep
But he just didn't frighten me
'Cause somehow I just knew he wasn't mean
He said "what you doing snooping 'round my place?"
And I saw a smile come across his face
So I smiled back and I told him who I was
He said come on in and pull you up a chair
You might as well since you already here
And he said "you can call me Joshua"
Joshua, Joshua
Whatcha doing living here all alone
Joshua, Joshua
Ain't you got nobody to call your own
No no, no no
We talked 'til the sun was clean out of sight
And we still talking when it come daylight
And there was just so much we had to say, hey
I'd spent my life in an orphan's home
And just like him I was all alone
So I said yeah when he asked if I'd stay
Oh we grew closer as time went on
And that little old shack it was a happy home
And we just couldn't help but fall in love
That big black dog and that little old shack
Sitting down by the railroad track
It's plenty good enough for me and Joshua
Joshua, Joshua
Why you're just what I've been looking for
Joshua, Joshua
You ain't gonna be lonesome anymore
No no
Yodel-a-he-ho la-he-he-he-he-he
Pa pa pa pa pa pa pa pa
Me and Joshua
Me and Joshua
Me and Joshua, yeah yeah
Me and Joshua
@1mparcher
I Do My Crying In The Rain (The Story of Joshua)
By Mike Archer
You misunderstood in shadows cloaked, unseen, unheard, a tapestry of souls. Eyes that hold galaxies' hearts aflame but whisper paint them all the same.
The wisp of smoke and a fleeting sigh were misjudged as cold when tears ran dry. The oak, so strong, so weathered grey, deemed unfeeling, come what may.
The firefly, a spark in the night, mislabeled recklessly, lost in light. The mountain was vast, a silent peak, thought empty, though its depths could speak.
But look beyond the frail surface, peel back the layers, cast aside the veil. In the cracks, the scars, and the tears lie hidden treasures, hopes, and fears.
So step into their silent space, offer a hand, a listening face. Let understanding bridge the gap, and hearts, once lost, find solace's map.
For in the tapestry, intricate and grand, each thread is unique, a helping hand that can weave a world where all are seen, misunderstood no more, a vibrant sheen.
Let empathy be the guiding light; embrace the soul in darkness bright. And whisper soft, with gentle art, "You are not lost; you are a work of art."
@amandagamble3323
My momma used to sign this to me when I was little.. it still pops in my head 30 years later β€
@RYN988
This woman is Americaβs gift to the world.
@amyg1862
DOLLY IS NOT JUST THE QUEEN OF COUNTRY SHE IS THE GODDESS OF MUSIC !!!! NO 1 WILL EVER TAKE HER PLACE!!!! ππ
@paullacamera8873
OMG.π±π± you're right, and you're so smart π€ it means we are on the same page here. LoL π. God bless you Amy G..!! How are you doing today? I hope you enjoyed the sweet melody of the song Right π?
@aclark903
Merry Christmas..
@djwloy4067
Remember when Daddy & Dolly were in the studio recording "Joshua". Always has been one of my favorite songs, Dolly wrote. My children and grandkids are fond of this song too.
@elizabetakatalinic9369
It's real country, I love when Dolly tells us a story by singing. And God created a talented woman named Dolly Parton and sent her to earth to spread love and light. I will always, always love you Dolly Parton, you are special to me. Your Elizabeta from Switzerland.π₯°π₯°π₯°π₯°π₯°
@David-mt6kp
Indeed she's highly talented by God's gift. Her song so passionate that I felt like crying.
@David-mt6kp
Nice meeting you, I'm Richard and you?
@paullacamera8873
That's cool.. Yes you're right God bless you Elizabeta..!How are you doing today I hope you enjoyed the melody of the song Right π?