Dolly Parton Songs to Stay Up Late To
Country music icon Dolly Parton is beloved around the world for her warm, comforting voice and feel-good songs. However, some of her tracks have an energy and excitement that could very well keep you wide awake past your bedtime. While Dolly is known for sweet ballads and down-home storytelling, she also loves an uptempo dance tune or powerful anthem. In this article, we’ll explore some categories of Dolly Parton songs that might delay sleep due to their catchy rhythms, vivid storytelling, or empowering messages.
Upbeat Dance Tracks
One thing is for certain – Dolly Parton loves a good dance song. Throughout her illustrious career, she’s recorded dozens of tracks meant to get your toes tapping and body moving. Songs in Dolly’s upbeat dance catalog could very well energize you too much to drift off to dreamland.
A prime example is “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind,” released in 1980. With its funky bassline and syncopated drums, this song gets your blood pumping from the very first note. Dolly’s playful vocals flirtatiously question an old flame over the catchy rhythm section. You may find yourself unable to sit still as you replay the song over and over, compelled to dance around your room.
Another surefire sleep preventer is Dolly’s iconic “9 to 5.” Released in 1980 to promote the movie of the same name, this track celebrates working women with a singalong chorus and driving country-pop beat. Its infectious melody and Dolly’s spirited delivery make it nearly impossible not to sing and dance along – not the most conducive environment for snoozing.
For Latin-inspired dance energy, look no further than “Shake Shake Shake Senora,” released in 1987. With its sultry maracas, handclaps, and Dolly purring Spanish lyrics, this song transports you to a hot, sweaty dance club that’s the last place you’ll want to fall asleep. The track’s sexy rhythms and visuals are guaranteed to keep you wide awake replaying the scene in your head.
Fast-Paced Storytelling
Another category of Dolly songs sure to delay sleep are her masterful story-driven tracks. Dolly has a gift for weaving vivid tales through her music down to the smallest details. However, the energy and imagery in these narratives may leave your mind racing long after the song ends.
A prime example is the iconic “Jolene,” released in 1973. Through sparse instrumentation and emotional vocals, Dolly paints a picture of impending danger from the titular “Jolene,” begging her not to take her man. The suspense and drama keep you on the edge of your seat, obsessively analyzing every word. You’ll find yourself replaying the song, trying to solve the mystery of Jolene long after your bedtime.
Much like “Jolene,” 1972’s “Coat of Many Colors” tells a moving story through Dolly’s delivery. However, the detailed imagery and folksy instrumentation in this tale of her mother’s sacrifice may spark your imagination far too much to fall asleep. You’ll be daydreaming about living in the Smoky Mountains in a “coat of many colors” made just for you.
For a fast-paced bluegrass romp, check out “The Bridge” from 2016. Over fiddle and banjo, Dolly narrates a harrowing tale of danger and survival on a rickety bridge that had collapsed. The song’s twists and turns are enough to give you an adrenaline rush and leave your heart racing – not at all conducive to sleep! You’ll be replaying every suspenseful moment in your head.
Empowering Anthems
No discussion of sleep-preventing Dolly songs would be complete without mentioning her empowering anthems. These tracks aim to inspire and fill listeners with confidence, passion, and joy – all feelings that aren’t exactly sleep-inducing.
Of course, one of the all-time greatest is Dolly’s version of “I Will Always Love You,” released in 1974. With its soaring vocals and message of moving forward despite heartbreak, this song fills you with emotional catharsis and strength. Its power is enough to keep you up all night feeling invincible, not ready to let the feeling go as you drift off.
Another rousing pick-me-up is Dolly’s signature song “Hello, I’m Dolly,” released as a single in 1969. Its jaunty bluegrass instrumentation and Dolly’s spirited charm make it impossible not to smile and feel good about yourself while listening. You’ll be too energized by its joy and positivity to settle into sleep.
For straight-up girl power, check out “9 to 5” once again. Its anthemic message of empowering working women is bound to stir your passions and fill you with can-do attitude. You’ll be too fired up thinking of ways to conquer your day to drift off peacefully. This song was made to keep you motivated, not lull you to dreamland!
High-Energy Duets
Finally, many of Dolly’s collaborative tracks bring an extra dose of energy thanks to her fellow vocalists. Singing together, these duets often take on a life and excitement of their own that could easily delay sleep.
Of course, one of the most iconic pairings is Dolly with Kenny Rogers on “Islands in the Stream” from 1983. Their sultry vocals weave in and out over the laidback instrumentation for an undeniable chemistry. Replaying their flirty exchange is bound to stir something inside and keep you up fantasizing long after the song ends.
For a modern update, check out Dolly’s 2018 duet with Pentatonix on “Jolene.” Their tight harmonies and reimagining bring new excitement to the classic track. The a cappella arrangement adds suspense as you anxiously await each line, on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Other high-energy duets to avoid before bed include Dolly with Linda Ronstadt on “When You’re Sleeping” and Emmylou Harris on “Two Doors Down.” Their blended vocals bounce off each other with an almost competitive energy that’s sure to leave you too stimulated to sleep.
In Conclusion
While many of Dolly Parton’s songs are sweet, comforting listens perfect for drifting off, some definitely pack an energy and excitement that could disrupt your slumber. Tracks with catchy dance rhythms, vivid storytelling, empowering messages, and extra vocals are most likely to ignite your passions and spark your imagination past the point of sleep. Of course, what keeps one person up may lull another – it’s all about personal taste and mood. But by considering categories like upbeat dance songs, fast-paced narratives, rousing anthems, and high-energy duets, you can choose Dolly tracks more conducive to staying awake a while longer. With an artist as prolific as Dolly, there’s no shortage of music to fuel a late night.