Back in the 70’s was when I first heard of Dolly Parton. I met a guy in Johannesburg that had some of her records, and I remember him playing some of them for me. One of her favourite love songs struck a chord with me and I wrote my own song called: How can I say “I love you.”
1. Coat of many colors – my favourite love song by Dolly Parton
“I told them all the love my Mama sewed in every stitch, and I told them all the story Mama told me while she sewed it, how my coat of many colors was worth more than all their clothes.” I was shocked when I read her book of how they wanted to take it off her, and she didn’t have anything on underneath! I feel so very deeply with that song. Dolly was so proud of her coat, and it meant so much to her, while to the other kids it was rubbish. I often think of the words of Jesus where He said: “Cast not your pearls before swine.” So often in my life I have had rich people mock me when I have been down on my finances, and it hurt very deeply. I have been on both sides. There were times when I have been doing well, and other times when I have been in need.
In the 80’s when I worked at Damelin College in Johannesburg, I heard Whitney Houston singing on the jukebox: “I will always love you.”
3. Highway headed south – it has been taken off the YouTube
I was shocked when I read Dolly Parton’s book about how when she first went to Nashville, she was so hungry, she would go to a hotel, and eat the food that people put outside their door when they were finished. She could have gotten diseases that way! But I guess when you are desperate, you do things you wouldn’t normally do. So, even big stars like Dolly Parton have been through their hard times. So don’t give up. There is still hope.,
Apparently Dolly has written about three thousand songs. She says that writing is a kind of a therapy for her, and helps her work out her problems. I found that true in my own experience too. Sometimes I have had great difficulty forgiving people who have done me wrong, so I have written a few songs on forgiveness. With a song, as you sing it over and over again, it kind of gets into your spirit, and helps you to overcome.
My favourite love song that Merle Haggard sang was written by Dolly Parton. I heard her on TV say how Elvis wanted to record her songs, but the Colonel wanted 50% of the royalties, so she declined. She said Whitney Houston’s recording of her song ‘I Honestly Love You’ brought in a lot of revenue for her. That is also important.
5. Old flames can’t hold a candle to you – it has been taken off the YouTube
I heard this song on the radio recently, and felt I must add it to this site. It is a very real song.
6. When I sing for Him – it has been taken off the YouTube
My wife has a recording of Dolly singing this song, written by Porter Wagoner. It is a very holy song.
This was a hit song when I was a kid, but I have just heard her version of it, and it sounds very nice.
Done with beautiful pictures.
9. Daddy was an old time preacher man
10. Applejack
I didn’t know she could play the banjo! I also have a gospel website, if you would like to check it out: Country Gospel and Bible