Dolly Parton explains protest song creation: ‘This world is on fire’

Singer of hits like “Jolene,” “Islands in the Stream,” “9 to 5” It is “I Will Always Love You,” Dolly Parton He still has an active career at the age of 77. On November 17, 2023, she released the studio album Rockstarwhich features a protest song titled “World On Fire.”

During an interview with Vulturethe iconic singer commented how “World On Fire” is the track on the album that “best embodies my own mythology.” “I write a lot of uplifting music, but I think ‘World On Fire‘ makes a statement because people often say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know you were political,'” she said.

“And I’ll respond, ‘Look, I’m not being political here. I’m a person with a voice and this world is on fire. No one seems to care enough to go out and do something about it,” she continued. Parton in the conversation.

I wrote several songs along those lines, but I felt the need to write ‘World On Fire‘ to reflect this moment.

Next, the artist explained how this is her way of protesting: “I think this is an anthem for me, where I am in my life right now and the things that I worry about – which are the same things that we all need to worry about and I’m sure we are. Who’s going to stand up, who’s going to try to make a change and what are we going to do to make a difference? What I do best is write and sing and go out there and preach my gospel in my own way.”

Furthermore, Dolly Parton said that “World On Fire” was written to bring things to people’s attention. “You don’t know how much, if anything, it helps. But when you’re like me, when your heart is tender and you care about human beings and our civilization – the world in general – you feel helpless if you don’t do something,” he said.

“I’m not the type to march in the streets with a sign or hold a gun or a knife, but my words are my tools and my weapons,” he added. “I try to raise awareness, point fingers and shed light on dark situations. And I will continue to do so.”

I’ve tried to do that over the years, even with songs like ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning‘ or ‘Better Get to Livin.’ I’m always trying to say, ‘Hey, get up. Look up. Do it better.’