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.
