About the song
Released in 2020, “Powerful Women” by Dolly Parton is a bold and empowering anthem that speaks to the resilience, strength, and unapologetic power of women. Featured on her album A Holly Dolly Christmas, this track marks an important moment in Parton’s illustrious career, where she continues to inspire and uplift women across generations. At a time when issues of equality and women’s empowerment are more prominent than ever, “Powerful Women” offers a timely, celebratory message that speaks to the heart of women’s enduring strength, their ability to overcome adversity, and the profound impact they have on the world.
The song is a testament to Dolly Parton’s longstanding advocacy for women and their role in society. With lyrics that honor the contributions of women throughout history, “Powerful Women” highlights the diverse ways in which women lead, inspire, and create change. Parton sings about how women, in all walks of life, have the power to shape their destinies, whether as leaders, mothers, artists, or everyday heroes. The song’s message is simple yet profound: women are capable of anything, and their strength is unparalleled. With her signature blend of sincerity and charm, Parton infuses the track with her own warmth and passion, making it not just a song, but a rallying cry for women everywhere.
Musically, “Powerful Women” is an upbeat and infectious track that draws on the classic country-pop sound Dolly Parton has become known for. The arrangement features a vibrant mix of strings, horns, and upbeat percussion, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere that mirrors the song’s empowering message. Parton’s voice, as always, shines with clarity and warmth, carrying the song’s message with an authority that only a seasoned artist like her can command. The chorus, with its joyful refrain, creates an anthem-like quality, ensuring that the song’s message of empowerment is both heard and felt.
“Powerful Women” was released as part of Dolly Parton’s first holiday album in over 30 years, A Holly Dolly Christmas. This album features a mix of traditional Christmas classics and original songs, with “Powerful Women” standing out as a highlight of the collection. While much of the album is focused on the festive spirit of the season, “Powerful Women” provides a refreshing and inspiring departure from the typical holiday fare, giving listeners a message that transcends the season and resonates with timeless relevance. The inclusion of this track in a Christmas album reflects Parton’s ability to merge her deep sense of joy, warmth, and compassion with the broader, universal themes that have always defined her music.
The social impact of “Powerful Women” can be seen in its celebration of the strength and contributions of women, particularly in a time when the conversation around gender equality, women’s rights, and representation is at the forefront of societal discourse. Parton has long been an advocate for women’s empowerment, and this song is yet another example of her commitment to using her platform to champion female voices. The song aligns with the broader cultural movement towards women’s liberation and equality, offering a message of solidarity and encouragement to women who continue to face barriers in many aspects of their lives. The track underscores the importance of recognizing women’s achievements and lifting them up, especially in a world where the fight for equality continues.
Parton’s influence, both as a musical icon and as a cultural figure, cannot be overstated. “Powerful Women” adds to her legacy of songs that uplift and inspire, echoing the themes of many of her past hits that have been embraced by generations of fans. Her ability to blend heart, soul, and social consciousness into her music is one of the reasons why she remains such a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment world. Whether she’s writing about love, heartbreak, or personal empowerment, Dolly Parton has a rare gift for making music that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant. “Powerful Women” is a shining example of this, reinforcing her status not just as a country music legend, but as a timeless advocate for women everywhere.
In conclusion, “Powerful Women” by Dolly Parton is an uplifting and inspiring anthem that celebrates the strength, resilience, and power of women. Released in 2020 as part of her album A Holly Dolly Christmas, the song showcases Parton’s mastery of blending personal and universal themes into music that resonates with listeners of all ages. Its message is clear and direct: women are powerful, and their influence is undeniable. With its joyful melody, empowering lyrics, and Dolly’s unmistakable voice, “Powerful Women” stands as a testament to both the individual and collective strength of women, reinforcing Dolly Parton’s enduring legacy as a champion of empowerment and equality.
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Lyrics
It’s Mr. Worldwide(Who runs this?) With the one and only(Who runs this?) Dolly PartonAnd this is dedicated to (Who runs this?)All my powerful women working nine to fiveTwo, three jobs just to surviveAll my powerful womenNo man at homeRaising all the kids aloneAll my powerful womenY’all deserve a throneKeep your head up and stay strongAll my powerful womenNo matter whatNever give upI remember working hard with my momYou name it, she did itYou name it, she sewed it (yeah)You name it, she cleaned it (yeah)You name it, she owed it (yeah)She had to provide (yeah)We had to surviveSo you name it, she stole itOur whole life was layawayPay, pay, payBut the bills never went awayPut your hands to the skyThis goes out to the womenWorking hard nine to fiveWorkin’ nine to five (nine to five)What a way to make a livin’ (yeah)Barely, gettin’ by (get it, girl)It’s all takin’ and no givin’They just use your mindAnd they never give you creditIt’s enough to drive youCrazy if you let itNine to five (nine to five)For service and devotionYou would think that IWould deserve a fair promotionWant to move aheadThe boss won’t seem to let meI swear sometimes that man isOut to get me (break it down)Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-oohHere’s to your mamaAnd here’s to mine(Take it, Dolly)(Dolly)Mama worked hard her entire lifeShe had twelve kids at thirty-fiveWorking 24/7, 365Working five to nine andNine to fiveThey let you dreamJust to watch em’ shatterYou’re just a stepOn the boss man’s ladderYou got dreamsHe’ll never take away (he’ll never take away)You’re all in the same boatWith the luck of your friendsWaiting for the day your ship will come inTide’s gonna turnAnd it’s all gonna roll you awayWorkin’ nine to five(Nine to five) what a way to make a livin’Barely, gettin’ by(I’m gettin’ by) it’s all takin’ and no givin’They just use your mind(They use your mind) and they never give you creditIt’s enough to drive youCrazy if you let itNine to fiveFor service and devotion (that’s just what I want)You would think that IWould deserve a fair promotion (you’d think that I)Want to move ahead, but the boss won’t seem to let meI swear sometimes that man isOut to get me, he’s out to get meHere’s to Jane and LillyAnd the girls that fightFor equal payEqual rightsNow some of usAre pit bulls tooWe appreciateThe things you doThanks again for shining lightOn the women that workFrom nine to fiveIt’s my pleasureDolly