Letters in Music: "Letter to Heaven"

Dolly Parton is probably one of the best-known country singers all over the world. She launched her career on a country-music television show in the late 1960s and went on to become a celebrity, especially after the release of her hit single "Jolene" in 1973. The song has only 200 words - and a lot of those are repeated- but Parton says that very simplicity, along with the song's haunting melody, is what makes the character of "Jolene" memorable.

This song, "Letter to Heaven", is a testament to Dolly's strong spiritual family foundation (well, the whole album is). She grew up singing in church, and her grandfather was a Pentecostal preacher, thus the religious content of the tune. A letter sent to a mighty character.

"Letter to Heaven"

An old man was sitting at his table one day

Writing a letter to pass time away

His little granddaughter climbed up on his knee

Saying won't you please write a letter for me

Oh what must I say in this letter I pray

Tell mommy I miss her since she went away

I coming to see her real soon I hope

He choked back a big lump that rose in his throat

He sealed it and wrote on that big envelope

To God up in heaven you'll get it I hope

He stamped it and handed it to her to mail

Her big eyes were shining her little face pale

She was crossing the street to the box o'er the way

And when she stepped out never looked either way

A big auto hit her and sped away fast

The little girls prayers had been answered at last

The postman was passing and picked up the note

Addressed to the Master and these words he spoke

Straight up into heaven this letter did go

She's happy up there with her mommy I know.