Unveiling the Tale: The Enchanting Journey of “But You Know I Love You”
In the dazzling glow of her first blockbuster movie, “9 To 5,” captivating audiences worldwide, Dolly Parton ventured into yet another milestone in her illustrious career. On February 20, 1981, she took center stage as a Las Vegas headliner at the famed Riviera Hotel, winning hearts with her magnetic charm and captivating presence. Reports even claim that she pulled off an unforgettable impersonation of the legendary Elvis Presley, a spectacle that must have left the audience in awe.
During her captivating Vegas concert, Dolly performed a remarkable number, “But You Know I Love You,” a soul-stirring song that later emerged as the second single from her album, “9 To 5 and Odd Jobs.” Dolly, known for her relatable songs, specifically chose this piece as part of her “songs for the working people” theme, revolving around the lives of traveling salespeople and musicians.
“But You Know I Love You” had already earned its place in music history by the time Dolly embraced it. Back in 1969, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition graced the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart, reaching an impressive #19 with this heartwarming tune. The song was crafted by the talented Mike Settle, a member of Rogers’ group. That same year, the legendary Bill Anderson also claimed success with a #2 hit on the country charts with his rendition of the song.
The fateful encounter between Mike Post and Dolly Parton occurred during a guest appearance on TV’s “Mac Davis Show” in the mid ’70s. Fast forward to 1981, and Mike found himself in the studio with Dolly, producing her sensational “9 To 5” album. Inspired by Dolly’s unique voice and captivating persona, he proposed recording “But You Know I Love You,” an idea that Dolly wholeheartedly embraced.
The magic of Dolly’s rendition worked wonders, propelling the song to the pinnacle of success, reigning atop Billboard’s country singles chart on June 20, 1981. Surprisingly, the song even garnered considerable pop airplay, securing a respectable #41 position on the Billboard Hot 100.
Though Mike Post is celebrated for his iconic work with television themes, he played a crucial role in bringing Dolly’s musical brilliance to the forefront. As a pop artist and producer, he achieved remarkable success with themes from shows like “The Rockford Files” and “Hill Street Blues.” Additionally, he lent his creative touch to themes from “L. A. Law,” “The A-Team,” and “Magnum P. I.”
Intriguingly, Dolly’s “9 To 5” album also featured a mesmerizing rendition of “The House of the Rising Sun,” once a chart-topping pop hit by The Animals in 1964. Dolly’s rendition soared to #14 on the country charts and #77 on the pop charts, though it may have seemed modest compared to her usual standards. However, this unexpected success paved the way for Dolly’s remarkable second movie role in “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” where she shared the screen with the legendary Burt Reynolds.
In conclusion, “But You Know I Love You” embodies the essence of Dolly Parton’s enchanting musical journey – a tale of love, hard work, and unbridled talent. As her voice continues to resonate through the ages, we can’t help but be captivated by the magic she weaves with every note, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and beyond.
- Single by Dolly Parton
- Album- 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs
- B-side- “Poor Folks’ Town”
- Released- March 16, 1981
- Recorded- 1980
- Genre- Country
- Length- 3:20
- Label= RCA
- Songwriter- Mike Settle
- Producer- Mike Post
Lyrics
When the morning sun streaks across my room
And I’m wakin’ up from another dream of you
Yes, you know I’m on the road once again it seems
All that’s left behind is a chain of broken dreams
But you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Oh, I love you
And how I wish that love was all we’d need to live
What a life we’d have, ’cause I’ve got so much to give
But you know I feel so sad down inside my heart
That the dollar signs should be keeping us apart
But you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Oh, how I love you
And if only I could find my way back to the time
When the problems of this life had not yet crossed my mind
And the answers could be found in children’s nursery rhymes
I’d come running back to you
I’d come running back to you
Hmm-mm
But you know we can’t live on dreams alone
Got to pay the rent, so I must leave you all alone
‘Cause you know I made my choice many years ago
And now this traveling life, well, it’s the only life I know
But you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Oh, I love you
But you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Oh, how I love you
But you know that I love you
You know that I love you
Oh, how I love you
But you know I love you
But you know I love you
Oh, I love you
But you know that I love you
But you know that I love you
Oh, how I love you
But you know that I love you
But you know that I love you
