“Scroll down to the end of the article to listen to music.”
Introduction
I was absolutely stunned to learn that Dolly Parton—the iconic country music legend whose career spans over six decades—doesn’t count one of her own masterpieces as her absolute favorite song! Can you believe it? This woman who has blessed us with hundreds of unforgettable hits like the hauntingly beautiful “Jolene” and the empowering workplace anthem “9 to 5” actually looks beyond her own incredible catalog when choosing her most beloved melody.
In a touching interview with TODAY, Dolly revealed, “I always loved the song ‘Sometimes When We Touch’.” This exquisite ballad, written by Dan Hill and Barry Mann in 1973, clearly resonates deeply with her artistic soul. There’s something so wonderfully humble about a songwriter of Dolly’s caliber admiring someone else’s work with such genuine emotion.
The story behind this song makes her choice even more fascinating! Dan Hill was just 19 years old when he penned these lyrics while caught in the emotional turmoil of a complicated love triangle. The raw vulnerability in lines like “I wanna hold you till I die, till we both break down and cry” captures the intense, sometimes painful nature of deep love—a theme Dolly herself has explored so beautifully throughout her own musical journey.
Released in 1977, “Sometimes When We Touch” soared to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Dan’s greatest commercial success. Over the years, musical giants including Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, and Tina Turner have offered their own interpretations, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Of course, Dolly does cherish a favorite among her own magnificent creations! According to the Express, she holds a special place in her heart for “Coat of Many Colors,” which she wrote in 1969. This isn’t just any song—it’s a deeply personal narrative drawn from her childhood in the mountains of Tennessee.
The 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 weight of this experience shines through in every note of the song.
Since its release in 1971, “Coat of Many Colors” has become one of Dolly’s most treasured works. Its cultural significance was officially recognized in 2011 when the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry—an incredible honor that speaks volumes about how deeply this song has woven itself into America’s musical heritage.
Throughout the years, Dolly has often 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 just a song; it’s the very essence of who Dolly Parton is.
Isn’t it wonderful how music can touch our hearts so profoundly? Even someone who has written countless hits still finds themselves moved by the artistry of others—just one more reason to adore the national treasure that is Dolly Parton. I’m simply in awe of how her musical journey continues to inspire us all!
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