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
Rockstar
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Well, I have to practice
(Why in the world would anybody wanna be in rock 'n' roll?)
(Aw, honey, she says it's her dream, it's her passion)
(That's passion? Give me a break)
Well, I'm gonna be in rock 'n' roll, whether you two like it or not
I'll show them
Rockstar (rockstar, rockstar, rockstar, rockstar)
After school I know the rules, do my chores in a hurry
My radio, my records wait inside my sanctuary
A teenage dreamer, dreaming one day I could be a star
I close my door, turn on my amp, and plug in my guitar
I'm a rockstar (rockstar)
They say if you can dream it, you can have it so I play
Hear me play
Rockstar (rockstar)
I stand before my mirror, play and sing and dream, someday
I'll be standing in the lights, selling shows out every night
Have 'em dancing in the aisles, I'll be famous
I'll be a rockstar
"Stop that god-awful music," Mama's yelling from the kitchen
Me, I smell success along with Mama's fryin' chicken
Dad storms in my room, unplugs my amp and starts his bitchin'
But to their sorrow, I'll just do the same dang thing tomorrow
I'm a rockstar (rockstar)
They say if you can dream it, you can have it so I play
I play
Rockstar (rockstar)
I stand before my mirror, play and sing and dream, someday
I'll be standing in the lights, selling shows out every night
Have 'em dancing in the aisles, I'll be famous
I'll be a rockstar
(Squalling at the top of your lungs and twangin' on that old damned guitar)
(It ain't gon' get you nowhere)
(Honey, you need to get out of this house, make some friends, do something ordinary)
Well, I don't wanna be ordinary
I wanna be a (rockstar) rockstar
Don't you ever give up on your dreams
No matter how far-fetched they seem
They may not be all that extreme
And I dreamed, I dreamed, I dreamed, I dreamed, I dreamed, I dreamed
I dreamed I was a rockstar
They say if you can dream it, you can have it so just play
Rockstar (rockstar)
Stand before your mirror, play and sing and dream away
That you'll be standing in the lights, selling shows out every night
Have 'em dancing in the aisle, you'll be famous
You'll be a rockstar (rockstar)
They say if you can dream it, you can have it so I play
Oh, yea-yeah
Rockstar (rockstar)
I'm standing on the stage now and I thank God every day
My folks dancin' in the aisle, screaming out, "Hey, that's our child"
Jerry Reed would say, "Yeah, right," now they claim me
They always thought I'd be a rockstar
Rockstar (rockstar)
Rockstar
(Rockstar) I'm gonna be, yeah, I'm gonna be, yeah
I'm gonna be a rockstar
I'm gonna be, yeah, I'm gonna be, yeah, I'm gonna be a
I'm gonna be a rockstar
The lyrics of Dolly Parton's song "Rockstar" paint a vivid picture of a young dreamer with a passion for music and a determination to become a rock star despite opposition from their parents. At the beginning of the song, the singer is met with disapproval and disbelief from their parents who question the desire to pursue a career in rock ‘n’ roll. However, undeterred by the criticism, the singer asserts their ambition to succeed in the music industry and confidently declares their intent to become a rockstar.
The lyrics delve into the daily routine of the singer, juggling school responsibilities and household chores while eagerly anticipating the moment they can retreat to their room, where their music is their sanctuary. With a guitar in hand and dreams of stardom in their heart, the singer immerses themselves in music, practicing and honing their skills in pursuit of their rockstar aspirations.
Despite facing opposition and negative reactions from their parents, the singer remains steadfast in their commitment to pursuing their passion for music. The disconnect between generations is highlighted as the parents fail to understand the youngster's dreams and aspirations, but the singer remains resolute in their conviction to follow their dreams, even in the face of criticism and disapproval.
The song's chorus serves as an anthem of empowerment and encouragement, urging listeners to never give up on their dreams no matter how unattainable they may seem. Through perseverance, dedication, and unwavering belief in oneself, the singer ultimately achieves their dream of becoming a rockstar, basking in the spotlight, selling out shows, and earning the admiration of their fans. The lyrics emphasize the message that with determination, resilience, and a steadfast belief in oneself, one can overcome obstacles and realize their aspirations, no matter how unconventional or challenging they may appear.
Line by Line Meaning
Good Lord, stop that noise
Please stop making that disruptive sound, referring to the disapproval of the loud music being played
I'm gonna be in rock 'n' roll, whether you two like it or not, I'll show them
Even if you don't support my dream of being a rockstar, I will prove myself and succeed
After school I know the rules, do my chores in a hurry, my radio, my records wait inside my sanctuary
After finishing my responsibilities, I retreat to my safe space where my music awaits, showing my dedication
I'm a rockstar, they say if you can dream it, you can have it so I play
Believing in the power of dreams, I pursue my passion for music and work towards achieving my goal of becoming a rockstar
Don't you ever give up on your dreams, no matter how far-fetched they seem
Encouraging perseverance and determination in following dreams, no matter how unrealistic they may appear
They say if you can dream it, you can have it so just play
Emphasizing the importance of belief in one's dreams and taking action towards making them a reality
I'm standing on the stage now and I thank God every day, my folks dancin' in the aisle, screaming out, 'Hey, that's our child'
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to perform on stage, with pride in the support and recognition received from family
I'm gonna be a rockstar
Affirming the determination to achieve the dream of becoming a rockstar
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOLLY PARTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@elainegoodrich5382
Dolly Parton -- She is an amazing woman that has been an Icon for many of her fans . She has been in the Country Music World for decades and one of the most talented singers and song writers too.
I have been an admirer of hers since I was knee high to a grasshopper . She is not only a singer , songwriter , but , she is also an actress as well !!!!
She puts alot into whatever she is doing and she has NEVER given up on herself or even her fans.
And She created Dollywood and has done alot of other things in her lifetime !!!!
Dolly Parton , YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR IN MY BOOK !!!!
GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU WELL !!!!!
I LOVE❤ YOU AS OTHERS DO TOO !!!! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW ALBUM .
MAYBE WE WILL MEET SOMEDAY . AMEN AND GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU SAFE AS WELL!!!!
AMEN ✝️🙏😇🕊🫒🦋❤️➕️👤🟰👫🏼🌎☮️☯️🏡♥️♾️😘😘
@CookiehsAndDreams
Dolly really meant it when she said she was gonna earn her place in the rock n' roll hall of fame.
@jeremiahgabriel5709
Leave it to Dolly Parton to make me cry during a song like this 😭 halfway through, there's something about it. And by the end there definitely was. The older one gets it's harder to hold to dreams. But hell man, if she can be a rockstar at 77? Suddenly there's more hope than yesterday, and I REALLY needed that.
@Mike-bz1tf
Goddess period
@danielclopez1742
Rock Goddess that is
@thebigz3909
Dolly is a STAR! pure and simple. I know it's not simple for her. She works her ass off but she triumphs in everything she does. And this song illustrates her craft, her range, her sheer talent and her dedication brilliantly. And she's a damned good person as well. ❤️ her always.
@TinaClark-wo7if
This lady is so amazing and she looks awesome!!!!
@joshjacobs9554
Yes but the funny thing is she’s still younger than the Rolling Stones!! 😂😂😂
@pompa04
You know it´s Richie Sambora as soon as you hear the talkbox. Great tune !!
@Cherry_Sunburst
DOLLY PARTON & RICHIE SAMBORA...Excellent.
@KStone-yq7it
Dolly, I knew there was a “Rockstar” in you. You proved you can do anything you want and at any age, no limits. They knew before you did that you belonged in the Rocking Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH. They were right. Thanks, Dolly, for all that you do in humanitarian efforts and for the songs you have shared with us through the years. We love you Dolly! ❤