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
Nickel and Dime
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to stand on a corner when I was a child
And I'd play my guitar and sing as the people went by
The sidewalks were crowded but I'd just sing louder cause I didn't mind
Just spending my time, spinning my rhymes and singing for nickels and dimes
Nickels and dimes a song at a time for nickels and dimes
I'd brighten their day as they go on their way and they'd brighten mine
I knew that someday in my own special I'd repay all their nickels and dimes
I recall the sidewalk each night as I stand on the stage
As I play my guitar and sing for the people who paid
Cause I finally made it to what they all call the big time
But I still remember I still owe some nickels and dimes
Nickels and dimes a song at a time for nickels and dimes
A sidewalk rehearsal for dreams that I held in my mind
So if you remember a child on the corner of time
You'll know that I wrote this to repay your nickels and dimes
Nickels and dimes a song at a time for nickels and dimes
A sidewalk rehearsal for dreams that I held in my mind
So if you remember a child on a corner of time
You'll know that I wrote this to repay your nickels and dimes
Nickels and dimes a song at a time for nickels and dimes
A sidewalk rehearsal for dreams that I held in my mind
So if you remember a child on a corner of time
You'll know that I wrote this to repay your nickels and dimes
Dolly Parton's "Nickel and Dime" is a captivating ode to the dreams, diligence and persistence of a young busker. The song starts by sharing the story of a child who would stand on a street corner, singing and playing the guitar for the passersby, earning nickels and dimes for their performances. The child was not deterred by the crowds, but rather used the opportunity to fine-tune their craft, rehearsing their songs on the sidewalk, hoping to one day make it to the big stage. Despite the struggles of a humble beginning, the child stood resilient and determined, never losing sight of their dreams.
As the song progresses, Parton narrates how that child-who is now a successful musician-recalls those humble beginnings, reminiscing on how the nickels and dimes he received from busking helped him become the star he is today. The chorus is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the child's long-standing desire to repay those who believed in him from his humble beginnings. The lyrics powerfully demonstrate how it is hard work, grit, and dedication that transform would-be buskers into stars.
The song's overall message is one of gratitude and respect for the journey that led to success. Parton's powerful vocals are particularly poignant and add to the overall emotional depth of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I used to stand on a corner when I was a child
As a child, I would perform on street corners with my guitar and sing for passersby.
And I'd play my guitar and sing as the people went by
I would entertain people with my music as they walked past me.
The sidewalks were crowded but I'd just sing louder cause I didn't mind
Even though the sidewalks were busy and loud, I didn't let it bother me and continued to sing loud and proud.
Just spending my time, spinning my rhymes and singing for nickels and dimes
I would spend my time creating music and singing, earning only small amounts of money for my efforts.
Nickels and dimes a song at a time for nickels and dimes
I would receive small amounts of money for each of the songs I played and sang.
I'd brighten their day as they go on their way and they'd brighten mine
My music would lift the spirits of those passing by, and in turn, their positive reactions would brighten my day as well.
A sidewalk rehearsal for dreams that I held in my mind
Those street performances were a form of practice for me, as I held onto the dream of someday making it big in the music industry.
I knew that someday in my own special I'd repay all their nickels and dimes
I always had the intention of one day repaying the small amounts of money people gave me for my performances, once I reached success in the music industry.
Cause I finally made it to what they all call the big time
After years of hard work and dedication, I finally achieved success in my career as a musician.
But I still remember I still owe some nickels and dimes
Despite my success, I remain humbled by my past experiences and the small amounts of money people gave me, and I still feel indebted to repay them.
So if you remember a child on the corner of time
If you were one of those people who saw me perform on the street corner as a child, and gave me money for my music, please remember me.
You'll know that I wrote this to repay your nickels and dimes
This song is my way of thanking you for your support all those years ago, and repaying you for the small amounts of money you gave me for my music.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: PETER CASE
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.