At 82, Dolly Parton drove herself, unannounced, to the little wooden cabin where she was born in the Great Smoky Mountains. There were no stage lights, no sequins, no entourage. She simply stepped inside, the air faintly scented with pine and memory. She traced her fingertips along the rough-hewn walls where her father had patched the cracks. Through the small window, she gazed at the mountains her mother once cherished. To the world, she was a queen, a businesswoman, an icon. But in the stillness of that cabin, she was simply Dolly. A tear rolled down her cheek as she whispered to the ghosts of the past, “I spent my life building a world of glitter and gold… only to realize the true treasure has always been here, in these silent mountains.”

Introduction

Introduction to “My Tennessee Mountain Home” by Dolly Parton

“My Tennessee Mountain Home” is one of Dolly Parton’s most heartfelt and autobiographical songs, first released in 1973 on her album of the same name. The song reflects Dolly’s deep connection to her childhood and roots in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, offering listeners a vivid glimpse into the simple, rural life that shaped her both personally and artistically.

Growing up in a large family in a small, one-room cabin in rural Sevier County, Tennessee, Dolly Parton’s early life was steeped in Appalachian culture, nature, and hard work. “My Tennessee Mountain Home” captures these experiences with nostalgic warmth and vivid imagery. The lyrics paint a picture of the natural beauty surrounding her childhood home — the hills, the trees, and the peaceful rhythm of mountain living. It celebrates the values of family, community, and the sense of belonging that defined her upbringing.

This song was co-written by Dolly Parton and Bobby Harden and serves as a tribute not only to her own history but to the culture of the Appalachian region. It stands out as one of her most personal compositions, reflecting themes of home, identity, and gratitude.

Critically, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” helped cement Dolly Parton’s reputation as a storyteller who could convey genuine emotion and authentic experiences through her music. The song remains a beloved classic among her fans and is often cited as a key piece in understanding her musical and personal journey.

In essence, “My Tennessee Mountain Home” is more than a song — it’s a heartfelt memoir in melody, an ode to the place that gave Dolly Parton her voice and inspired her lifelong success

Video

Lyrics

Sitting on the front porch on a summer afternoon
In a straight back chair on two legs, leaned against the wall
Watch the kids a playing with June bugs on a string
And chase the glowing fireflies when evening shadows fall
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the fields nearby
Honeysuckle vine clings to the fence along the lane
Their fragrance makes the summer wind so sweet
And on a distant hilltop, an eagle spreads its wings
And a songbird on a fence post sings a melody
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the field nearby
Walking home from church on a Sunday with the one you love
Just laughing, talking, making future plans
And when the folks ain’t looking, you might steal a kiss or two
Sitting in the porch swing, holding hands
In my Tennessee mountain home
Life is as peaceful as a baby’s sigh
In my Tennessee mountain home
Crickets sing in the fields nearby
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm
Hmm-hmm-hmm-hmm