Dolly Parton Said She Needed to Be in a ‘Mood’ to Write

Dolly Parton, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her prolific career, offers a unique glimpse into her creative process. Despite setting aside time each day for writing, Parton doesn’t adhere to a strict schedule. Instead, she allows her emotions and moods to guide her songwriting. This impulsive approach has resulted in some of her most memorable works, highlighting the importance of inspiration in her creative journey.

Writing From the Heart

Parton’s songwriting is deeply tied to her emotions. She takes more pride in her writing than in her singing, finding greater fulfillment in the process. For Parton, writing is an emotional outlet that requires her to be in specific moods.

“I’m not a disciplined writer at all. I’m strictly an impulsive writer, and I write from inspiration,” Parton shared in Alanna Nash’s book Dolly. “I get my ideas from everybody. When I feel this need to write, it comes out of my heart and soul. Because I get moods, great moods, weird moods. You know, really inspired moods, and I just get real involved in what I’m doin’ and I can’t stop.”

These moods drive her to write with such intensity that she sometimes loses track of time. Parton recalls staying up for nearly three days, unable to stop the flow of creativity until she finally had to rest.

A Singular Focus

Parton’s dedication to her craft is evident to those who have witnessed her writing. When inspiration strikes, she becomes completely absorbed in her work, oblivious to her surroundings.

“Her writing is automatic,” a band member observed. “I mean, she’ll sit down with the guitar and the licks just come and the words fly right out of her mouth. I’m not kiddin’ you. She just sits down and writes them. There’s no tellin’ how many she’ll write once she starts — ten or twenty, maybe. And when she gets in that writing mood, forget about talkin’ to her, because she’s mesmerized. You ask her a question and she don’t know what you’re sayin’, she’s so into her writing.”

Parton’s intense focus allows her to produce a remarkable number of songs in a short period. Her friend recounted an instance where Parton wrote 20 songs in one session, an achievement many find hard to believe.

Prolific and Passionate

During her most inspired state, Parton’s creativity knows no bounds. In one particularly prolific writing session, she composed 20 songs, 15 of which were later recorded. This astonishing output underscores her ability to channel her emotions into her music.

“Out of those twenty songs I wrote, fifteen of ’em have been recorded. Because when I get on a real wild streak, look out!” she said. “Now it depends on the nature of the song. Up-tempo is easier for me to write, with simple words. But anyway, twenty is the most I’ve ever written in a setting.”

Among the songs produced during this session were “Take Me Back” and “You Are,” both of which showcase her unparalleled talent and emotional depth.

Conclusion

Dolly Parton’s songwriting process is a testament to the power of inspiration and emotion. Her willingness to wait for the right mood, rather than forcing creativity, has resulted in a rich and varied body of work. For Parton, writing is not just a discipline but a deeply personal and impulsive expression of her heart and soul. This approach has not only defined her career but has also left an indelible mark on the world of music.