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 Only Hand You'll Need to Hold
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you need a friend, reach out to me
When you need reassuring that it's alright
Anything you need, that's what I'll be
For I want to be the one you always come to
When you find you need a place to go
Let mine be the hand you always cling to
You'll ever need to hold
Mine will be the only hand
You'll ever need to hold
I can be the one that makes you happy
I'll be your umbrella when it rains
I will be someone that you can count on
In other words, I'll be your everything
For I want to be the one you always come to
When you find you need a place to go
Let mine be the hand you always cling to
Mine will be the only hand
You'll ever need to hold
Mine will be the only hand
You'll ever need to hold
I want to be the one you always come to
When you find you need a place to go
Let mine be the hand you always cling to
Mine will be the only hand
You'll ever need to hold
The lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "The Only Hand You'll Need to Hold" convey a message of unwavering love, support, and devotion. It speaks to the desire to be someone's constant source of comfort and reassurance, offering a safe space for them to turn to in times of need.
The verses highlight the different roles the singer is willing to take on for their loved one. They are willing to provide love and friendship, offering a shoulder to lean on and words of reassurance when things feel uncertain. The singer is willing to be everything their partner needs, promising to be their rock and source of happiness. The repeated lines emphasize the singer's commitment to being the only hand their loved one will ever need to hold, underscoring a deep level of emotional connection and support.
Overall, the lyrics express the singer's willingness to be there for their partner unconditionally, providing a strong and reliable presence in their life. It showcases the desire to be someone's constant source of comfort and dependability, lending a helping hand and offering solace whenever necessary.
Line by Line Meaning
When you need to be loved, let me love you
When you're longing for love and affection, allow me to provide it for you
When you need a friend, reach out to me
When you're in need of companionship and support, don't hesitate to turn to me
When you need reassuring that it's alright
When you're seeking comfort and assurance that everything will be okay
Anything you need, that's what I'll be
I am ready to fulfill any and all of your needs
I can be the one that makes you happy
I have the ability to bring joy and happiness into your life
I'll be your umbrella when it rains
I will provide protection and support for you during difficult times
I will be someone that you can count on
You can rely on me without any doubt or hesitation
In other words, I'll be your everything
To put it simply, I will be all that you need and desire
Mine will be the only hand
You'll ever need to hold
My hand will be the sole source of comfort and security that you'll require in your life
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.