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
The House Where Love Lives
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A big shaggy dog that lives out back
And some might even call it a shack but
This is the house where love lives
The paint is peelin' off of the ceils
The mailbox is full of bills
And it's no mansion on the hill but
There's a little boy who looks just you with
Freckles on his nose and eyes of blue
A little girl almost two and everybody
Says she looks just like you
So thank you dear for loving me
Though I know rich we'll never be
But that doesn't matter to you and me 'cause
We live in the house where love lives
So thank you dear for loving me though
I know rich we'll never be
But that doesn't matter to you and me 'cause
We live in the house where love lives
We live in the house where love lives
In Dolly Parton's song "The House Where Love Lives," the lyrics paint a picture of a humble home that may not be grand or glamorous, but is filled with love and warmth. The first verse sets the scene with descriptions of a squeaky gate, a welcome mat, and a shaggy dog living in the backyard. Despite its shabby appearance, the house is portrayed as a place where love thrives.
The second verse highlights the imperfections of the house, with peeling paint on the ceilings and a mailbox overflowing with bills. It is emphasized that this is not a luxurious mansion on a hill, but rather a simple abode. However, the lyrics again reaffirm that love resides within these walls, regardless of the physical condition of the house.
The third verse introduces the presence of children in the house. A little boy resembling the singer, complete with freckles and blue eyes, and a girl who is almost two years old, are mentioned. Their presence further reaffirms the love that resides within the home, as they are cherished and seen as a reflection of the love shared between the singer and their partner.
In the final chorus, the singer expresses gratitude for their partner's love and acknowledges that they may never be wealthy in financial terms. However, the lack of material wealth is insignificant compared to the love they have for each other. The repetition of the phrase "We live in the house where love lives" brings the song full circle, emphasizing the central theme that the love within the home is more important than any external wealth or material possessions.
Overall, the lyrics of "The House Where Love Lives" celebrate the power of love to transform a simple dwelling into a place of warmth, happiness, and contentment. It reminds us that true wealth lies in the love we share with those closest to us, rather than in material possessions or the appearance of a home.
Line by Line Meaning
A squeaky gate, a welcome mat
Despite the minor imperfections and humble surroundings, this house is a welcoming and inviting place for love to thrive.
A big shaggy dog that lives out back
There is a loyal and affectionate companion in the form of a large, unkempt dog that resides in the backyard, adding warmth and companionship to this house.
And some might even call it a shack but
Although outsiders might perceive this house as a simple and modest structure, it holds a far deeper significance to those who reside within.
This is the house where love lives
This humble abode is the place where love flourishes and thrives, making it the heart and soul of the occupants' lives.
The paint is peelin' off of the ceils
The deteriorating paint on the ceilings is a visible reminder of the passage of time and the wear and tear that this house has experienced, but it does not diminish the love that resides within.
The mailbox is full of bills
The overflowing mailbox is filled with bills and financial obligations, highlighting the challenges and struggles faced by the occupants. Nevertheless, love remains steadfast within these walls.
And it's no mansion on the hill but
Although this house may not be an extravagant mansion situated in an affluent neighborhood, its value lies in the intangible qualities of love and happiness that permeate its humble surroundings.
This is the house where love lives
Once again, it is emphasized that despite its lack of opulence, this house is a sanctuary for love, where deep emotional connections are fostered and cherished.
There's a little boy who looks just you with
In this house, there is a young boy who bears a striking resemblance to you, with adorable freckles on his nose and captivating blue eyes. He is a precious embodiment of the love shared by the occupants.
Freckles on his nose and eyes of blue
The boy's freckles on his nose and his vibrant blue eyes add to his unique and charming appearance, serving as visual reminders of the affection and bond within this house.
A little girl almost two and everybody
In addition to the little boy, there is also an almost two-year-old girl in this house, who captures the hearts of everyone around her. Her presence adds joy and innocence to the household.
Says she looks just like you
Many people comment on the striking resemblance between you and the little girl, further affirming the connection and love shared within this family.
So thank you dear for loving me
A heartfelt expression of gratitude is conveyed to a beloved partner for their unconditional love. This line acknowledges the value and importance of love in their lives.
Though I know rich we'll never be
Realizing that they may never attain great wealth or material abundance, but acknowledging that their wealth lies in the love they share, which surpasses any material possessions.
But that doesn't matter to you and me 'cause
The lack of material wealth is inconsequential to the couple because their love and connection transcend materialistic desires, demonstrating the purity and depth of their relationship.
We live in the house where love lives
Reinforcing the central message of the song, the couple affirms that they reside in a place where love thrives, underscoring the importance they place on emotional fulfillment over material wealth.
We live in the house where love lives
A final repetition of the song's core message, emphasizing that their abode is defined by the presence of love, making it a cherished and contented home.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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.