About the Song
“Joshua” by Dolly Parton is a beautifully crafted country ballad that tells a compelling story of love and heartache. Released in 1971 on her album Joshua, the song showcases Parton’s exceptional songwriting and vocal talent, making it one of her standout tracks from that era.
The lyrics center around a woman who reflects on her feelings for a man named Joshua. The song captures the bittersweet emotions of loving someone who may not be the right choice or who is already taken. The line “You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted” conveys a sense of longing and vulnerability, allowing listeners to connect with the depth of her feelings. The narrative is rich with imagery, painting a vivid picture of the emotional struggle that comes with unrequited love.
Musically, “Joshua” features a gentle melody supported by soft instrumentation, including acoustic guitars and strings that enhance the song’s emotional weight. Parton’s warm and expressive vocals bring the story to life, allowing her to convey both the joy and pain of love with sincerity.
Upon its release, the song received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the top of the country charts. Its relatable themes of love and yearning have made it a beloved favorite among fans, solidifying Parton’s status as a master storyteller in country music.
“Joshua” has also been covered by various artists over the years, showcasing its enduring appeal. The song’s exploration of love’s complexities continues to resonate with audiences, inviting reflection on the choices we make in relationships.
In summary, “Joshua” is a poignant and beautifully written song that captures the essence of love and longing. Dolly Parton’s heartfelt performance and the song’s evocative lyrics ensure that it remains a cherished classic, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and desire. Whether enjoyed in moments of solitude or shared with friends, this track serves as a reminder of the beauty and heartache that often accompany the journey of love.
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Lyrics: “Joshua”
Well a good ways down the railroad track
There was this little old rundown shack
And in it lived a man I’d never seen
Folks said he was a mean and a vicious man
And you better not set foot on his land
I didn’t think nobody could be that mean
So I took me out walking down the railroad track
I was a-gonna go down to that little old shack
And just find out if all them things I’d heard was true
There was a big black dog laying out in the yard
And it growled at me and I swallowed hard
And I heard somebody say well who are you
Oh and there he stood in the door of that shack
His beard and his hair was long and black
And he was the biggest man I’d ever seen
When he spoke his voice was low and deep
But he just didn’t frighten me
‘Cause somehow I just knew he wasn’t mean
He said what you doing snooping ’round my place
And I saw a smile come across his face
So I smiled back and I told him who I was
He said come on in and pull you up a chair
You might as well since you already here
And he said you can call me Joshua
Joshua Joshua
Whatcha doing living here all alone
Joshua Joshua
Ain’t you got nobody to call your own
No no no noWe talked ’til the sun was clean out of sight
And we still talking when it come daylight
And there was just so much we had to say hey
I’d spent my life in an orphan’s home
And just like him I was all alone
So I said yeah when he asked if I’d stay
Oh we grew closer as time went on
And that little old shack it was a happy home
And we just couldn’t help but fall in love
That big black dog and that little old shack
Sitting down by the railroad track
It’s plenty good enough for me and JoshuaJoshua Joshua
Why you’re just what I’ve been looking for
Joshua Joshua
You ain’t gonna be lonesome anymore
No noYodel-a-he-hoMe and Joshua
Me and Joshua
Me and Joshua yeah yeah
Me and Joshua