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
We Are The Champions/We Will Rock You
Dolly Parton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've done my sentence but committed no crime
And bad mistakes, I've made a few
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
But I've come through (and I mean to go on and on and on and on)
We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
No time for losers 'cause we are the champions
Of the world
I've taken my bows and my curtain calls
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
And I thank you all
But it's been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
And I ain't gonna lose (and I mean to go on and on and on and on)
We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
We are the champions, we are the champions
No time for losers 'cause we are the champions
We are the champions, my friends
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
We are the champions, we are the champions
No time for losers 'cause we are the champions
(We will, we will rock you) we will rock you
(We will, we will rock you) we will rock you
(We will, we will rock you) we are the champions
(We will, we will rock you) yes, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
In these lyrics from Dolly Parton's rendition of "We Are the Champions/We Will Rock You," the singer is expressing a sense of resilience and triumph over adversity. The opening lines acknowledge a journey of perseverance and hard work: "I've paid my dues, time after time, I've done my sentence but committed no crime." Here, the singer could be referring to the challenges faced and sacrifices made in pursuing her goals, highlighting her integrity and determination.
The lyrics continue to emphasize the singer's ability to overcome difficult situations and learn from past mistakes: "And bad mistakes, I've made a few, I've had my share of sand kicked in my face, but I've come through." This suggests that the singer has endured pitfalls and setbacks but ultimately weathered them and grown stronger. The repetition of the phrase "and I mean to go on and on and on and on" emphasizes an unwavering resolve to persevere and continue pushing forward despite any setbacks.
The chorus, "We are the champions, my friends, and we'll keep on fighting 'til the end" signifies a celebration of victory and solidarity. The singer asserts that they are champions, suggesting a collective triumph achieved alongside friends or colleagues. This anthem-like refrain reflects a shared sense of achievement and the determination to continue striving until the end.
The lyrics also touch upon the complexities of fame and success, acknowledging the challenges that come with it: "I've taken my bows and my curtain calls, you brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it. And I thank you all." Here, the singer acknowledges gratitude for the opportunities and recognition she has received, emphasizing the highs and lows that fame brings.
In the final lines, the repetition of "We will rock you" signifies a call to action and solidarity. It serves as a rallying cry, uniting the singers and listeners to face challenges head-on and celebrate their collective strength. The lyrics ultimately convey a message of resilience, determination, and unity in the face of adversity, cementing the song's status as an anthem of triumph.
Line by Line Meaning
I've paid my dues, time after time
I've fulfilled my obligations and faced challenges repeatedly
I've done my sentence but committed no crime
I've served my time without any wrongdoing
And bad mistakes, I've made a few
I've made some regrettable errors along the way
I've had my share of sand kicked in my face
I've been ridiculed and disrespected by others
But I've come through (and I mean to go on and on and on and on)
I've persevered and intend to continue doing so relentlessly
We are the champions, my friends
Together, we have achieved greatness and triumph
And we'll keep on fighting 'til the end
We will persist in our battle until the very end
No time for losers 'cause we are the champions
There is no room for failure as we are the ultimate victors
Of the world
We are the unparalleled champions of all
I've taken my bows and my curtain calls
I've acknowledged and enjoyed the applause and recognition
You brought me fame and fortune and everything that goes with it
You have bestowed upon me success, wealth, and all associated benefits
And I thank you all
I express gratitude to everyone who has supported me
But it's been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise
It has not been an easy or enjoyable journey
I consider it a challenge before the whole human race
I view it as a test that encompasses all of humanity
And I ain't gonna lose (and I mean to go on and on and on and on)
I will not be defeated and plan to continue indefinitely
(We will, we will rock you) we will rock you
We will overpower and inspire you with our musical prowess
(We will, we will rock you) we will rock you
We will dominate and electrify you with our performance
(We will, we will rock you) we are the champions
We are the undisputed champions who will captivate you
(We will, we will rock you) yes, we will rock you
Indeed, we will astound and energize you
We will, we will rock you
We will emphatically entertain and captivate you
We will, we will rock you
We will wholeheartedly inspire and thrill you
We will, we will rock you
We will absolutely dazzle and excite you
We will, we will rock you
We will without a doubt electrify and exhilarate you
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Freddie Mercury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dominus Limo
“Do what you want with my music, but never make me boring” - Freddie mercury
Hannah Hester
EXACTLY!!
Angie Hicks
Freddie would have loved this 🤘
Lily Bishop
I think she done an awesome job ❤
Dave Rhoden
Mission accomplished.
Dorothy BoVee
Freddie
John W Sharpe
It's incredible how Dolly keeps pleasantly surprising everyone, after everything she's already accomplished. I LOVE that she has decided to release her excellent versions of these Classic Rock Covers. Please, keep them coming!!
Will Dwyer
The singles so far are amazing. Can't wait for the album release in November. Already got it pre-ordered.
Jason Bellitto
Dolly has always been the smartest one in the room
Will Pyle
I never could have imagined Dolly’s voice working so perfectly with Queen’s music