About The Song
“Better Get to Livin’”: Dolly Parton’s Joyful Pep Talk in a Song
With her trademark sparkle and down-home wisdom, Dolly Parton delivers an energetic, no-nonsense dose of inspiration in her 2007 single “Better Get to Livin’.” It’s not just a song—it’s a motivational message wrapped in rhinestones and Southern charm, reminding listeners that no matter what life throws at you, your attitude can make all the difference.
Released as the lead single from her album Backwoods Barbie, “Better Get to Livin’” was Dolly’s triumphant return to mainstream country-pop after years of exploring bluegrass and acoustic sounds. The song immediately stood out for its upbeat tempo, bright instrumentation, and Dolly’s signature blend of honesty and optimism.
Right from the opening lines, Dolly’s voice rings clear with sass and sincerity:
“People always comin’ up to me and askin’ me / Dolly, what’s your secret?”
What follows is a song that’s both playful and profound. Dolly tackles the anxieties of daily life—self-doubt, people-pleasing, the stress of trying to measure up—and cuts through them all with one piece of advice:
“Better get to livin’, givin’, don’t forget to throw in a little forgivin’.”
It’s a reminder not to get bogged down by fear, envy, or perfectionism. Instead, she urges us to focus on kindness, gratitude, and forward motion. And she does it all without preaching—her delivery is more like a trusted friend shaking you gently by the shoulders and saying, “You’ve got more power than you think.”
The music video, filled with carnival colors and quirky charm, features Dolly as both a life coach and a ringmaster, guiding a stressed-out woman through a whirlwind of everyday pressures. It’s a visual metaphor for Dolly’s own life philosophy: embrace the chaos, laugh through the struggle, and keep moving with joy.
Co-written by Dolly and her longtime bandleader Kent Wells, “Better Get to Livin’” marked her first charting solo single in years and was praised for its sharp lyrics, empowering message, and timeless Dolly delivery. Even critics noted how the song managed to balance pop energy with genuine heart, proving once again that Dolly’s music transcends age, genre, and trend.
But beyond the radio play and applause, the real power of “Better Get to Livin’” is in its encouragement. In a world that often feels heavy and fast-moving, Dolly reminds us to lighten our hearts, lift others up, and not waste a minute of this beautiful life.
Because if anyone knows how to turn hard times into hope, it’s Dolly Parton. And in this song, she hands that strength to the rest of us—wrapped in melody, delivered with a smile, and signed with a wink.