Unveiling the Enchanting Tale of Dolly Parton’s “You’re the Only One”
Step into the captivating world of Dolly Parton, a country music legend, who once humbly confessed her doubts about her singing prowess. Despite her reservations, Dolly’s star was shining brightly in 1979, fueled by her 11th chart-topping hit, “You’re the Only One.” This mesmerizing melody found its way to Dolly through the gifted pen of pop songwriter Carole Bayer Sager, known for crafting hits like the Mindbenders’ “A Groovy Kind of Love” and Carly Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better.”
When “You’re the Only One” ascended to the coveted number one spot on Billboard on July 28, 1979, it marked a momentous triumph for Dolly. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and Dolly’s emotive delivery struck a chord with fans, keeping it at the top for two weeks. Behind the scenes, the talented Gregg Perry, Dolly’s keyboard player, was the mastermind behind the single’s production, a fact often overshadowed by misconceptions that another producer helmed Dolly’s subsequent hit, “9 to 5.”
Dolly’s “Great Balls of Fire” album, which featured the soul-stirring “You’re the Only One,” held more treasures within. A surprising yet delightful country rendition of the Beatles’ classic “Help!” graced the album, adorned with captivating backup vocals by Herb Pedersen and Ricky Skaggs. This musical masterpiece earned Dolly her fourth gold disc on November 13, 1979, solidifying her reign as a true icon in the world of music.
As the enchanting melodies of “You’re the Only One” and “Sweet Summer Lovin’,” the album’s second single, filled the airwaves, fans found themselves spellbound by the irresistible charm of Dolly’s voice. In an intriguing twist, the flip side of “Sweet Summer Lovin'” received its fair share of airplay, even occasionally gracing the turntables at an unorthodox speed of 33 1/3 RPM, akin to an album’s pace. This unconventional approach also worked wonders for Dolly’s earlier hit, “Jolene,” leaving listeners pleasantly surprised by the delightful transformation.
In a career spanning 25 solo albums and countless accolades, Dolly Parton’s “You’re the Only One” stands as an immortal testament to her unwavering talent and boundless charm. Through the ups and downs of the music industry, Dolly’s heartfelt dedication to her craft continues to inspire audiences worldwide, reminding us all that true passion and authenticity are the keys to touching hearts and leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.
- Released: 1979
- Album: Great Balls of Fire
- Artist: Dolly Parton
Lyrics
I found out the hard way
And I’m never gonna break your heart
I know, too late
And I don’t wanna break your heart
Guess I had to go away just to find
What I left behind
You’re the only one, you’re the only one
Take me back to where we started from
And let’s make it now like we made it then
This old heart ain’t gonna break your heart again
Nights I lay in bed
And your covers wouldn’t warm my feet
And mornin’ found me bitter or a bit too sweet
Oh, baby, I had to go away just to run back and say
You’re the only one, you’re the only one
Take me back to where we started from
Can we make it now like we made it then?
This old heart ain’t gonna break your heart again
You’re the only one darlin’
They’ll never be anyone else but you
I love you so much
You are my love, you’ve become my life
And I never meant to break your heart
But sometimes, you just gotta go away
To find what you left behind
You’re the only one, you’re the only one
Take me back to where we started from
Can we make it now like we make it then?
This old heart ain’t gonna break your heart again
You’re the only one, you’re the only one (you’re the only one)
You’re the only one, the only one
So take me back to where we started from (you’re the only one)
You’re the only one, the only one
You’re the on- (you’re the only one)
You’re the only one, the only one
Take me back to where we started from (you’re the only one)
You’re the only one, the only one
You’re the only one (you’re the only one)
The only one, the only one…
