Applejack
Parton Dolly Lyrics


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(Dolly Parton)

He lived by the apple orchard in this little orchard shack
His real name was Jackson Taylor but I called him AppleJack
Now old AppleJack was loved by everyone he ever knew
AppleJack picked apples but he picked the banjo too

Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song for me and I'll sing
Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song, let your banjo ring

Now I'd go down to AppleJack's almost everyday
We'd sit and we'd drink applejack that old AppleJack had made
Then he'd take his banjo down then he'd ask me if I'd sing
And he would play the banjo and I'd play my tambourine

Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song for me and I'll sing
Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song, let your banjo ring

That's when I was just a kid and now that I am grown
All I have are memories, old AppleJack is gone
Oh but he left me his banjo and it always takes me back
And everytime I play it I still hear AppleJack

Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song for me and I'll sing
Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song, let your banjo ring

Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song for me and I'll sing
Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song, let your banjo ring

Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song for me and I'll sing




Play a song for me AppleJack, AppleJack
Play a song, let your banjo ring

Overall Meaning

In Dolly Parton's song "Applejack," she begins by mentioning a man named Jackson Taylor who used to live in a small shack by an apple orchard. Despite his real name, she called him Applejack. Parton then goes on to mention how much Applejack was loved by everyone who knew him, noting that in addition to picking apples, he also picked the banjo. Thus, she asks if he could "play a song" for her on his instrument.


In the second verse, Parton reveals that she used to go down to the orchard to see Applejack almost every day. They would sit and drink apple juice (or "applejack," a strong alcoholic beverage made from distilling cider) that he had made himself. Then, he would take down his banjo, ask her to sing, and they would play together.


As Parton grows older and reflects back on her time with Applejack, she admits that all she has left are memories since he has since passed away. However, he left her his banjo, which she still loves to play. Every time she picks it up, she still hears Applejack playing, reminding her of their time together in the orchard.


Interestingly, though the song is called "Applejack," the term isn't used to refer to the character until the chorus. Furthermore, though the character plays the banjo, the song doesn't actually feature a banjo itself - it's mostly driven by a piano and guitar instead.


Line by Line Meaning

He lived by the apple orchard in this little orchard shack
AppleJack lived in a small shack next to the apple orchard.


His real name was Jackson Taylor but I called him AppleJack
Although his real name was Jackson Taylor, he was known as AppleJack by Dolly.


Now old AppleJack was loved by everyone he ever knew
AppleJack was a well-liked person, loved by everyone he knew.


AppleJack picked apples but he picked the banjo too
AppleJack was good at picking both apples and playing the banjo.


Now I'd go down to AppleJack's almost everyday
Dolly would visit AppleJack almost every day.


We'd sit and we'd drink applejack that old AppleJack had made
They would sit and drink homemade applejack made by AppleJack.


Then he'd take his banjo down then he'd ask me if I'd sing
AppleJack would take out his banjo and ask Dolly to sing along.


And he would play the banjo and I'd play my tambourine
During their music sessions, AppleJack would play the banjo while Dolly played her tambourine.


That's when I was just a kid and now that I am grown
Dolly remembers these times from when she was a child and now that she's an adult.


All I have are memories, old AppleJack is gone
Since AppleJack is no longer alive, all Dolly has left are memories of him.


Oh but he left me his banjo and it always takes me back
AppleJack left his banjo to Dolly, and playing it helps her recall fond memories of him.


And everytime I play it I still hear AppleJack
Dolly still feels like she can hear AppleJack's voice every time she plays his banjo.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DOLLY PARTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

roddy cavin

One of the glories of the internet is the ability to listen to brilliant songs which you haven't heard in years.This is an absolute classic.

darla peppin

applejack will never be gone!

simon888666li

Ilene stewart

I❤

Gigi Du Hermoine

I absolutely love this track.....I still have the cassette tape...Pure back-woods country at it's best!

countrygirl country musiclover

Gigi Du Hermoine first off backwoods is just one word no hyphen. Second of all this song is insanely incredible (I am a HUGE fan of dolly) but if you think this is "backwoods country at it's best" I suggest you listen to a song from about 33 years after this one that is actually CALLED backwoods from Justin moore

Leslie Goldman

I still have the cassette tape too
The good old days

sipioc

I never knew I needed this in my life! A charming song!

CheshorcatBeats

My 9 year old showed this to me... she was looking for My Little Pony videos. She said "dad, this song makes me so happy." My heart melted :)

René Velling Christensen

Dolly did it. ❤️ Shining Star 🌟 ✨

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