“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
Throughout her magnificent career spanning more than six decades, Dolly Parton has gifted the world with hundreds of unforgettable songs. From the haunting plea of “Jolene” to the workplace anthem “9 to 5,” her musical genius has touched millions of hearts across the globe. But I was genuinely taken aback to discover that when asked about her absolute favorite song, the Queen of Country didn’t select one of her own masterpieces!
In a candid interview with TODAY, Dolly revealed something surprisingly personal: “I always loved the song ‘Sometimes When We Touch’.” This exquisite ballad, crafted by Dan Hill and Barry Mann in 1973, clearly strikes a profound chord with her artistic soul. There’s something incredibly endearing and humble about a legendary songwriter like Dolly admiring someone else’s work with such depth of feeling.
The backstory of this song makes her choice even more intriguing. Dan Hill was merely 19 years old when he wrote these lyrics, caught in the emotional whirlwind of a complex love triangle. The raw vulnerability expressed in lines like “I wanna hold you till I die, till we both break down and cry” captures the intense, sometimes agonizing nature of profound love – a theme Dolly herself has explored so beautifully throughout her own musical journey.
Released in 1977, “Sometimes When We Touch” climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Dan’s greatest commercial triumph. Over the decades, musical icons including Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, and Tina Turner have offered their own interpretations, solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
Of course, Dolly does cherish a favorite among her own incredible repertoire! According to the Express, she holds a special place in her heart for “Coat of Many Colors,” which she penned in 1969. This isn’t just any composition – it’s a deeply personal narrative drawn from her childhood in the mountains of Tennessee.
The heartfelt lyrics tell the moving story of how her mother lovingly stitched together a coat from colorful fabric scraps because the family couldn’t afford new clothes. While Dolly treasured this handmade garment, she faced cruel mockery from her classmates. The emotional resonance of this experience illuminates every note of the song.
Since its release in 1971, “Coat of Many Colors” has become one of Dolly’s most treasured creations. Its cultural significance received official recognition in 2011 when the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry – a tremendous honor that speaks volumes about how deeply this song has woven itself into America’s musical fabric.
Throughout the years, Dolly has frequently reflected on how this particular song embodies the values that shaped her – family love, resilience, dignity in poverty, and finding beauty in what others might dismiss. It’s not merely a song; it’s the very essence of who Dolly Parton is.
Isn’t it absolutely wonderful how music can touch our hearts so profoundly? Even someone who has written countless hits still finds herself moved by the artistry of others – just one more reason to adore the national treasure that is Dolly Parton. I’m completely enchanted by her humility and the genuine love for music that transcends ego or acclaim!
Video
Lyrics
You ask me if I love you
And I choke on my reply
I’d rather hurt you, honestly
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I’m only just beginning
To see the real you
And sometimes when we touch
The honesty’s too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you ’til I die
‘Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you
‘Til the fear in me subsides
Romance and all its strategy
Leaves me battling with my pride
But through the insecurity
Some tenderness survives
I’m just another writer
Still trapped within my truth
A hesitant prize fighter
Still trapped within my youth
Sometimes when we touch
The honesty’s too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you ’til I die
‘Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you
‘Til the fear in me subsides
At times I’d like to break you
And drive you to your knees
At times I’d like to break through
And hold you endlessly
At times I understand you
And I know how hard you’ve tried
I’ve watched while love commands you
And I’ve watched love pass you by
At times I think we’re drifters
Still searching for a friend
A brother or a sister
But then the passion flares again
And sometimes when we touch
The honesty’s too much
And I have to close my eyes and hide
I wanna hold you ’til I die
‘Til we both break down and cry
I wanna hold you
‘Til the fear in me subsides