Dolly Parton Talks Small Messages With Big Values In Powerful ‘Coat Of Many Colors’ Performance

today.com

In was in 1969 on a moving tour bus headed to her next pit stop that the beloved Dolly Parton was struck with an abrupt idea that she knew she would be foolish not to grasp. Grabbing a paper receipt attached to the dry cleaning of fellow country singer Porter Wagoner, she began to jot down her brilliant storyline, ultimately creating the platform for her widely-praised melody known as the “Coat Of Many Colors”. 

Parton took to the intimate stage of ABC‘s Today Show to treat various set personalities and staff to a live performance of the iconic hit that continues to melt the hearts and souls of fans. 

Parton’s inspiration derived from her personal childhood experience she often recalled amidst her memories of love and security, in addition to unexpected hardships. 

The song showcases an encounter Parton had at a very young age in which her mother compiled various rags that she had been given, creatively fashioning and stitching Parton a handmade, winter coat. Parton musically recalls the vibrant colors that embodied this coat, expressing her pride in wearing what her mother had put so much love and effort into. 

Parton describes a story her mother told her while she stitched, commonly known as “Joseph and His Coat of Many Colors”. This biblical tale residing in the book of Genesis tells the testimony of a young man who is given a vibrantly colored coat from his father and, essentially, becomes a key component to the events compiling the Bible.

Parton continues her tune to portray the unfair responses she received from her classmates who simply laughed at Parton’s coat, unaware of how much meaning and love resided in every piece of fabric and thread. She sings,

“And oh I couldn’t understand it, for I felt I was rich
And I told them of the love my momma sewed in every stitch.”

Parton, being the personality she is, began to tell the children of the story her mother had entertained her with, hoping they will also take a positive influence. She continues,

“And oh I couldn’t understand it, for I felt I was rich
And I told them of the love my momma sewed in every stitch
And I told ’em all the story momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors was worth more than all their clothes.”

 This inspiring number was recently converted into a heart wrenching movie that astounded critics with its skyrocketing success. Parton is currently in the process of creating a sequel in light of this movie, while she has also released her newest album, “Pure & Simple”. Her album debut has already proven its imminent success, gaining more downloads by the minute!

Although a clearly busy woman, Parton continues to reward her fans with quality music and noteworthy memories. 

Check out Parton’s timeless vocals in her performance on the Today Show!