Introduction
“Coat of Many Colors” is a deeply personal and enduring song originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1971. Drawing from her childhood experiences in rural Tennessee, Parton crafted a narrative that speaks to themes of love, poverty, and self-worth. The song recounts how her mother sewed together a coat from a box of donated rags, telling young Dolly the biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors as she worked. Though the coat was made from humble materials, it was imbued with love and pride, making Parton feel rich despite her family’s financial hardships.
In 2014, the American country and bluegrass duo Joey + Rory included a cover of “Coat of Many Colors” on their album Country Classics: A Tapestry of Our Musical Heritage. Their rendition pays homage to Parton’s original while bringing their own heartfelt interpretation to the song. Joey + Rory, comprised of husband and wife Joey and Rory Feek, were known for their authentic storytelling and harmonious vocals, qualities that shine through in their version of this classic track.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal message: true wealth is found not in material possessions but in the love and support of family. Over the years, “Coat of Many Colors” has been covered by various artists and has inspired adaptations in other media, including a children’s book and a television movie. Its inclusion in Joey + Rory’s album underscores the song’s significance in the tapestry of American country music and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
Video
Lyrics
(dolly parton)
Back through the years i go wondering once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my mamma put these rags to use
There were rags of many colours, and every piece was small
And i didn’t have a coat and it was way down in the fall
Mamma sewed the rags together, sewing ever piece with love
She made my coat of many colours, that i was so proud of
As she sewed she told the story from the bible she had read
About a coat of many colours, joseph wore and they she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you, much love and happiness
And i just couldn’t wait to wear it, and mamma blessed it with a kiss
My coat of many colours that mamma made for me
Made only rags, but i wore it so proudly
Although we had no money. oh i was rich as i could be
In my coat of many colours, my mamma made for me
So with patches on my breaches and holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colours, i hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing and makin’ fun of me
In my coat of many colours, my mamma made for me
Oh, i couldn’t understand it, for i felt i was rich
And i told them of the love my mamma sewed in ever stitch
And i told them all the story, mamma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colours is worth more than all of their clothes
They didn’t under stand it and i tried to make them see
That one is only poor only if they choose to be
Now i know we have no money, but i’m as rich as i could be
In my coat of many colours, my mamma made for me
In my coat of many colours, my mamma just made for me