Introduction
Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” is a song that has touched the hearts of millions of listeners since its release in 1971. It is a poignant and personal story about Parton’s childhood, and the coat that her mother made for her out of rags.
Parton grew up in a poor family in Locust Ridge, Tennessee. She was the fourth of twelve children, and her family struggled to make ends meet. When Parton was nine years old, her mother made her a coat out of rags that other people had donated. Parton was initially proud of her new coat, but she was soon teased and bullied at school for wearing it.
Despite the teasing, Parton refused to let her coat define her. She took comfort in her mother’s words, who told her that the coat was a symbol of her love and strength. Parton also drew inspiration from the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors.
In 1969, Parton wrote the song “Coat of Many Colors” as a tribute to her mother and her childhood experiences. The song was released in 1971, and it quickly became one of Parton’s most popular and enduring hits.
“Coat of Many Colors” is a song about resilience, hope, and the power of love. It is a reminder that we are all unique and special, and that we should never let anyone make us feel ashamed of who we are.
The Impact of “Coat of Many Colors”
“Coat of Many Colors” is more than just a hit song. It is a story that has resonated with people of all ages and backgrounds. The song is a reminder that we should never give up on our dreams, no matter what challenges we face. It is also a reminder that we are all unique and special, and that we should be proud of who we are.
In 2015, NBC released a made-for-television movie based on the song. The movie was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to introduce Parton’s music to a new generation of fans.
“Coat of Many Colors” is a timeless song that continues to inspire and uplift people all over the world. It is a powerful story about resilience, hope, and the power of love.
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Lyrics
Back through the yearsI go wonderin’ once againBack to the seasons of my youthI recall a box of rags that someone gave usAnd how my momma put the rags to useThere were rags of many colorsBut every piece was smallAnd I didn’t have a coatAnd it was way down in the fallMomma sewed the rags togetherSewin’ every piece with loveShe made my coat of many colorsThat I was so proud ofAs she sewed, she told a storyFrom the Bible she had readAbout a coat of many colorsJoseph wore and then she saidPerhaps this coat will bring youGood luck and happinessAnd I just couldn’t wait to wear itAnd momma blessed it with a kissMy coat of many colorsThat my momma made for meMade only from ragsBut I wore it so proudlyAlthough we had no moneyI was rich as I could beIn my coat of many colorsMy momma made for meSo with patches on my britchesAnd holes in both my shoesIn my coat of many colorsI hurried off to schoolJust to find the others laughingAnd making fun of meIn my coat of many colorsMy momma made for meAnd oh, I couldn’t understand itFor I felt I was richAnd I told ’em of the loveMy momma sewed in every stitchAnd I told ’em all the storyMomma told me while she sewedAnd how my coat of many colorsWas worth more than all their clothesBut they didn’t understand itAnd I tried to make them seeThat one is only poorOnly if they choose to beNow I know we had no moneyBut I was rich as I could beIn my coat of many colorsMy momma made for meMade just for me