Dolly Parton: A Songwriter Deeply Influenced by Literature
Beneath her signature big hair, rhinestone-studded costumes, and catchy country-pop tunes lies a profoundly gifted songwriter whose work resonates with deep literary influences. While Dolly Parton may seem like more of a showman than a scholar at first glance, her songs are steeped in the same storytelling traditions, use of language, and emotional depth found in great works of literature. From a young age, Parton absorbed the folktales, ballads, and books that surrounded her in rural Tennessee—and these influences are woven into the fabric of her most beloved songs.
Storytelling Roots in Appalachian Folklore
Parton grew up in the Smoky Mountains region of East Tennessee, an area rich with Appalachian folklore that has been passed down orally for generations. As a child, she spent evenings listening attentively as her father recited cautionary tales and her grandfather strummed mountain ballads on the banjo. These storytelling traditions left a profound mark on Parton, who has said that her favorite childhood memories involve “sitting around the fire and listening to tales and legends.”
The influence of Appalachian folktales is evident in songs like “Little Sparrow,” which echoes the narrative style and themes of caution one might find in a mountain folktale. In the song, Parton sings from the perspective of a mother bird warning her young sparrow of the dangers that lie ahead if he ventures too far from home. Like the folktales of her youth, the song uses simple but vivid storytelling to impart a lesson.
Parton also drew from the rich tradition of mountain ballads, songs that told unfolding stories set to music. Her classic “The Great Pretender” borrows the narrative ballad form, relating a first-person tale of heartbreak and disguise. With its unfolding details of lost love and pretense of being “oh so glad I’ve seen those days are gone,” the song transports listeners directly into the unfolding story world—a hallmark of the ballad genre.
Memorable Characters and Universal Themes
In addition to strong storytelling influences, Parton populates her songs with vivid, relatable characters that feel plucked straight from the pages of great literature. From the pleading Jolene in the song of the same name to the determined working women in “9 to 5,” Parton crafts characters grappling with themes that resonate universally: love, jealousy, resilience against adversity.
Take Jolene, the “flame-haired” woman whose beauty threatens to steal Parton’s man away. In just a few words, Parton brings this character to life so vividly the listener can picture her—and understand both her threat and her own humanity. Jolene becomes more than a stock villain, but a complex character evoking real emotions in both singer and audience.
Parton populates “9 to 5” with a veritable cast of working women: from Doris, who “has to kill her time doing something useful like altering hems,” to Linda who “has bills to pay, she tells them ‘Bring ’em in’” as they dream of telling the boss “what they’d really like to say.” Each character shines with individuality but also speaks to universal struggles—the mark of truly memorable literary characters. Their plights still resonate today, a testament to Parton’s skill at crafting real, relatable figures.
Metaphors, Similes and Poetic Language
Beyond strong characters and storytelling, Parton also demonstrates a gift for language through her strategic use of poetic devices in songs. She employs metaphor and simile to paint vivid pictures for listeners, a hallmark of sophisticated lyricism.
In “Coat of Many Colors” she describes her mother’s handmade gift using metaphor: “My coat of many colors that my momma made for me.” The simple phrase conjures the worn but beloved garment in the listener’s mind far more powerfully than a straightforward description ever could.
Parton also makes skillful use of simile. In “Rhinestone Cowboy” she sings “Well, I’m a rhinestone cowboy, ridin’ out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo. Yeah, like a rhinestone cowboy, getting’ lost in the light of your crystal-blue eyes.” Here, she compares the protagonist to a rhinestone ornament through simile—drawing a vivid picture and giving new layers of meaning.
These poetic devices allow Parton to paint scenes and evoke emotions through language alone, much like skilled writers employ metaphor, personification and other techniques in prose. Her mastery of lyrical craft brings stories and characters to life for listeners.
Influence of Favorite Authors
Parton has often cited literature as an inspiration for her songwriting. Growing up, she devoured the novels of Charles Dickens for their vivid characters and social commentary on the working class. Dickens’ themes of struggling against adversity clearly resonated with Parton and potentially informed songs like “9 to 5.”
She has also expressed admiration for Emily Brontë, praising Jane Eyre for its strong, independent female protagonist. It’s easy to imagine Jane’s resilience against the obstacles of 19th century England inspiring Parton’s own portrayal of spirited women in songs.
While Parton may never have considered herself “literary,” her absorption of stories through reading and oral tradition clearly enriched her songwriting in immeasurable ways. The DNA of folklore, poetry and beloved authors winds through her most iconic tunes.
Emotional Resonance Beyond Words
Perhaps most importantly, great literature—and great songwriting—aims to evoke deep emotions in an audience. On this front, Dolly Parton is indisputably a master. Listeners can feel the yearning in “I Will Always Love You” as plainly as the lyrics describe it. Songs like “Jolene” and “9 to 5” tap into universal struggles of jealousy, adversity, and dreams of something more in ways that resonate profoundly and cross cultural boundaries.
Even Parton’s more lighthearted material, like “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” connect through humor and vivid storytelling. Their ability to bring smiles stems from Parton’s gift for tapping into something deeper through music—just as the best authors make readers laugh through nuanced understanding of human nature.
When we listen closely to Dolly Parton’s catalog, we hear more than just catchy melodies—we hear the echoes of the folktales, ballads, novels and poetry that nurtured her own storytelling abilities from an early age. Beneath her glamorous image lies a songwriter who draws from the same deep wells of language, character, and emotion that define great literature. The next time a Dolly classic comes on, take a moment to appreciate the literary gems hiding in plain sight.