The Bargain Store
Parton Dolly Lyrics

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My life is likened to a bargain store
And I may have just what you're looking for
If you don't mind the fact that all the merchandise is used
But with a little mending it could be as good as new

Why you take for instance this old broken heart
If you will just replace the missing part
You would be surprised to find how good it really is

Take it and you never will be sorry that you did
The bargain store is open, come inside
You can easily afford the price
Love is all you need to purchase all the merchandise
And I can guarantee you'll be completely satisfied

Take these old used memories from the past
And these broken dreams and plans that didn't last
I'll trade them for a future, I can't use them anymore
I've wasted love but I still have some more
The bargain store is open, come inside
You can easily afford the price
Love is all you need to purchase all the merchandise
And I can guarantee you'll be completely satisfied

My life is likened to a bargain store
And I may have just what you're looking for
If you don't mind the fact that all the merchandise is used
But with a little mending it could be as good as new

The bargain store is open, come inside (the bargain store is open, come inside)

The bargain store is open, come inside (the bargain store is open, come inside)
If you don't mind the fact that all the merchandise

Overall Meaning

In Dolly Parton's song "The Bargain Store," the lyrics depict her life as being comparable to a discount store. She suggests that she may have exactly what the listener is seeking, but with the caveat that everything available is second-hand or used. However, she assures that with some repair and attention, the items can be restored and be as good as new.

Parton uses the metaphor of an old broken heart, implying that it can be restored if the missing piece is replaced. She asserts that when repaired, the heart will be surprisingly good and encourages the listener to take it, promising that they won't regret their decision. The concept of the bargain store being open represents an opportunity for the listener to explore and potentially find something valuable at an affordable price.

The singer goes on to suggest taking the used memories, broken dreams, and failed plans from the past and exchanging them for a future. She admits that these past experiences are no longer of use to her and instead seeks to trade them for new opportunities. Parton acknowledges that she has wasted love in the past but remains optimistic that there is still more love to offer.

Parton reiterates the comparison of her life to a bargain store, emphasizing once again that she may possess what the listener desires. She reaffirms that though the merchandise is used, it can be refurbished and become as good as new through minor repairs. The repetition of the phrase "the bargain store is open, come inside" signals the singer's willingness to share her experiences and offer the listener a chance to find something meaningful within those experiences, regardless of their previous condition.

Line by Line Meaning

My life is likened to a bargain store
My life is comparable to a store where items are sold at low prices

And I may have just what you're looking for
And I might have exactly what you are seeking

If you don't mind the fact that all the merchandise is used
If you're fine with the knowledge that all the items are second-hand

But with a little mending it could be as good as new
However, with some repair, it can be restored to its original quality

Why you take for instance this old broken heart
For example, consider this damaged and wounded heart

If you will just replace the missing part
If you only substitute the part that is absent

You would be surprised to find how good it really is
You will be astonished to discover its true value

Take it and you never will be sorry that you did
Take it and you will never regret your decision

The bargain store is open, come inside
The inexpensive store is accessible, enter now

You can easily afford the price
You can effortlessly manage the cost

Love is all you need to purchase all the merchandise
Love is the sole requirement to acquire all the items

And I can guarantee you'll be completely satisfied
And I can assure you that you will be entirely content

Take these old used memories from the past
Take these previously owned memories from the bygone days

And these broken dreams and plans that didn't last
Along with these shattered aspirations and unfulfilled objectives

I'll trade them for a future, I can't use them anymore
I will exchange them for a future as I have no use for them anymore

I've wasted love but I still have some more
I've squandered love in the past, but I still possess additional to give