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
Today Tomorrow and Forever
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Long our love will last
I'll never stop loving you no
Never today tomorrow and forever
We've got the kind of love
Most people dream about
We're sure of our love in
And I know that you love me by
The things you do and say
And our love keeps growing
Stronger day after day
Today tomorrow and forever
Each day you let me know
Just how much you care
And you know if you need me
You know I'm always there
You don't have to say you love
Me over and over again
I know because you show me and
I know our love won't end
Today tomorrow and forever
The lyrics to Dolly Parton's song "Today Tomorrow and Forever" express a deep and unwavering love that is meant to last a lifetime. The singer affirms her everlasting devotion to her partner, declaring that their love will endure through time and remain strong. The opening lines emphasize the enduring nature of their love, stating that it will never fade away. This sentiment is reinforced throughout the song as the singer expresses her certainty and confidence in their relationship.
The lyrics also highlight the unique and special nature of their love. The singer states that they have the kind of love that most people only dream about, suggesting that their connection is rare and remarkable. She expresses her gratitude for the love and affection her partner shows her, noting that their actions and words constantly remind her of their love. It is evident that their relationship is built on trust and support, as the singer assures her partner that she will always be there for them.
The overall message conveyed in these lyrics is one of enduring love, trust, and commitment. It paints a picture of a relationship that is deeply rooted and will withstand any challenges that may come their way. The song celebrates the strength and beauty of a love that continues to grow stronger with each passing day.
Line by Line Meaning
Today tomorrow and forever that's how
Our love will last indefinitely, extending beyond the present, into the future, and for all time.
Long our love will last
Our love will endure for an extended period without wavering or faltering.
I'll never stop loving you no
My love for you is perpetual and unwavering, with no possibility of cessation.
Never today tomorrow and forever
At no point, be it today or tomorrow, or even in the distant future, will my love for you cease.
We've got the kind of love
The love we share is extraordinary and unparalleled, something that most people only envision in their dreams.
Most people dream about
The love we have is the subject of desire and aspirations for many individuals.
We're sure of our love in
There is complete certainty and confidence in the strength and authenticity of our love.
Our mind there's no doubt
Within our minds, there is no uncertainty or hesitation about the sincerity and depth of our love.
And I know that you love me by
I am aware of your love for me, confirmed by
The things you do and say
Your actions and words consistently demonstrate and express your affection for me.
And our love keeps growing
Our love continues to flourish and expand
Stronger day after day
Becoming more potent and resilient with each passing day.
Each day you let me know
Every day, you make it evident and clear
Just how much you care
the depth and extent of your feelings and concern
And you know if you need me
You are aware that if you require my presence or support
You know I'm always there
I will always be available and present for you
You don't have to say you love
You do not need to repeatedly express your love
Me over and over again
In redundant or repetitive manners
I know because you show me and
I am certain of your love because you consistently demonstrate it to me
I know our love won't end
I am aware that our love is everlasting and will not come to an end
Today tomorrow and forever
Our love will persist, both today and tomorrow, and extend into eternity.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
alexandre handfield
Take my hand and run with me out of the past called yesterday.
Walk with me into the future of tomorrow.
Yesterday must be forgot, no looking back, no matter what,
There’s nothing there but mem’ries that bring sorrow;
Yesterday is gone, but tomorrow is forever.
Verse 2:
No more crying, tears leave tracks,
Mem’ries find their way back.
Tomorrow’s waiting, let’s journey there together,
Yesterday is gone, but tomorrow is forever.
Chorus:
I care not for yesterday.
I love you as you are today,
And yesterday just helped to pass the time while waiting.
We must forget, we will in time.
My love for you is the real kind,
The kind that won’t hurt you, no never.
Yesterday is gone, but tomorrow is forever
alexandre handfield
Take my hand and run with me out of the past called yesterday.
Walk with me into the future of tomorrow.
Yesterday must be forgot, no looking back, no matter what,
There’s nothing there but mem’ries that bring sorrow;
Yesterday is gone, but tomorrow is forever.
Verse 2:
No more crying, tears leave tracks,
Mem’ries find their way back.
Tomorrow’s waiting, let’s journey there together,
Yesterday is gone, but tomorrow is forever.
Chorus:
I care not for yesterday.
I love you as you are today,
And yesterday just helped to pass the time while waiting.
We must forget, we will in time.
My love for you is the real kind,
The kind that won’t hurt you, no never.
Yesterday is gone, but tomorrow is forever
Betty Ragoobar
Lovely Dolly I enjoy your music
This pushes my memories many years ago
Annif Dawkins
Thank you for the words ( lyrics) Lovely song.
Landile-Chuma Mhlebi
My Dad used to love this song...long drives through the country side of SA...His forever in my heart ❤️...May he rest in peace😢!!
Wayne Thompson
Talent never ages... Keep writing and performing new songs .... Dolly !!!!!!
Mokgadi Mathikhithela
She is amazing with her golden voice 💛
Theodore Martin
Makes one think of that love that got ya so deep, true and makes ya heart bleed for more... love ya Dolly!
tM
This song will forever be close to my heart. It reminds me of my mom, so much.
Linc Hood
i love this song..it just give me hope that tomorrow will be greater..much love to our lovely Dolly Parton