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
Just Leaving
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You have made it very clear
So I'm leaving
Leaving this old town
My wings are kinda broken up
But I think I might can patch 'em up
Heaven help me
Time and only time can tell
If I'm to find Heaven or Hell
Then I'm leaving
I'm just leaving
I have given all I can
I've tried but you don't understand
So I'm leaving
I'm talking big for someone so small
I know I'll be alright out there
Even so, I'm just a little scared
But that's strictly just between us
And that's all
I'm gonna be alright
I'm going to Paradise
I'm leaving
Just leaving
Time and only time can tell
If I'm to find Heaven or Hell
But I'm leaving
I'm just leaving
My wings are kinda broken up
But I think I might can patch 'em up
Heaven help me
Lord, you've got an angel down
I'm leaving
I'm leaving this old town
Leaving
I'm leaving
Lord, you've an angel down
I'm leaving this old town
I'm just leaving
The lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Just Leaving" express the decision to leave behind a difficult situation, likely a tumultuous relationship or a place where the singer does not feel wanted or appreciated. The opening lines, "I ain't got no business here / You have made it very clear," reveal that the singer has been told in no uncertain terms that they are not welcome. The decision to leave is ultimately made in the chorus, which repeats the line "I'm leaving / Just leaving" in a resolute and almost defiant tone.
The second verse suggests that the singer has been struggling for some time, using the metaphor of broken wings to convey a sense of vulnerability and fragility. However, there is also a sense of determination, as the singer declares that they will try to "patch 'em up" and move forward regardless. The reference to Heaven and Hell suggests that the singer is seeking a greater sense of purpose or direction and hopes that leaving the current situation behind will lead them to a better place.
The final verse emphasizes the singer's sense of self-worth, while also acknowledging their fear and uncertainty about the future. Despite this fear, there is a sense of optimism and determination - the singer declares that they will be "alright out there" and that they are "going to Paradise." The final repetition of the chorus, with its emphasis on the word "Leaving," reinforces the idea that the singer is taking control of their own destiny and leaving behind whatever has been holding them back.
Line by Line Meaning
I ain't got no business here
I have no reason to stay here
You have made it very clear
You have communicated your desire for me to leave
So I'm leaving
I am departing
Leaving this old town
I am departing from this town
My wings are kinda broken up
I am feeling a bit defeated and worn out
But I think I might can patch 'em up
I have hope that I can overcome my struggles
Heaven help me
I am asking for divine assistance
Lord, you got an angel down
I am feeling vulnerable and in need of help
Time and only time can tell
Only time will reveal what the future holds
If I'm to find Heaven or Hell
I do not know what the future will bring, whether it will be good or bad
Then I'm leaving
Regardless of the outcome, I am departing
I'm just leaving
I am simply departing
I have given all I can
I have done my best
I've tried but you don't understand
Even though I have tried, you do not comprehend
So I'm leaving
I have decided to depart
I'm talking big for someone so small
I am being brave despite feeling small and insignificant
I know I'll be alright out there
I am confident that everything will be okay once I leave
Even so, I'm just a little scared
Despite my confidence, I am still somewhat afraid
But that's strictly just between us
This fear is just between you and me
And that's all
That is the extent of my fear
I'm gonna be alright
I am going to be okay
I'm going to Paradise
I am heading towards something wonderful
Lord, you've got an angel down
I am still feeling vulnerable and in need of help
I'm leaving
I am departing
Time and only time can tell
Only time will reveal what the future holds
If I'm to find Heaven or Hell
I am uncertain what the future will bring
But I'm leaving
Regardless, I am departing
I'm just leaving
I am simply departing
Leaving
I am departing
Lord, you've an angel down
I am still vulnerable and in need of help
I'm leaving this old town
I am departing from this town
I'm just leaving
I am simply departing
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOLLY PARTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Donovan Edwards
I was going through a breakup when this song came out! So fitting! Lord you got an angel down!
KM M
DOLLY HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVS, N JUST FOUND THIS PLAYLIST. IT'S NOW 1 OF MY FAVS! LOVE EVERY SONG ON IT!!!😊😊😊