Song Information
Title: I Will Always Love You
Writer: Dolly Parton
Original Release Date: June 6, 1974
Album: Jolene
Label: RCA Records
Genre: Country
Length: 2:53 (original version)
Producer: Bob Ferguson
“I Will Always Love You” was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973 and released in 1974. The song was a farewell to her mentor and duet partner Porter Wagoner, after she made the difficult decision to pursue a solo career. It became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart — not once, but twice: first in 1974, and again in 1982 when she re-recorded it for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas soundtrack. The song gained global fame when Whitney Houston covered it in 1992 for The Bodyguard soundtrack, turning it into a pop-soul anthem. However, Dolly’s original remains a tender and deeply personal country ballad, filled with grace and love.
Song Meaning
In just a few verses, Dolly Parton managed to express a lifetime of love, gratitude, and farewell. The lyrics of “I Will Always Love You” speak from the heart of someone who’s letting go—not out of anger, but out of respect and necessity.
“If I should stay, I would only be in your way.”
From the very first line, the listener feels the bittersweet pain of parting. It’s a goodbye wrapped in affection, not bitterness. Dolly isn’t just walking away; she’s doing it while wishing the other person joy and success. The chorus—repeating the simple but profound phrase “I will always love you”—feels like a mantra for closure. It’s not a breakup song filled with blame. It’s a tribute to love that once was, and will continue in a different form: not together, but forever cherished.
Explaining the Backstory
Many people are surprised to learn that this emotional ballad wasn’t written about a romantic relationship. In fact, it was Dolly Parton’s heartfelt goodbye to Porter Wagoner, her longtime musical collaborator and mentor. For over seven years, Dolly had performed alongside Porter on The Porter Wagoner Show. Their professional relationship brought her to national fame—but by 1973, Dolly felt it was time to move forward on her own path.
Porter initially opposed her departure, leading to tension. Instead of an argument, Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You” and played it for him. Reportedly, it moved Porter so much that he relented and gave her his blessing. It was her way of saying “thank you” and “I’m sorry” at the same time—without losing grace. This gesture cemented the song as a symbol of loyalty and integrity in the face of difficult change. Years later, the two reconciled and remained friends until his passing.
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Lyrics
If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I’ll go, but I know
I’ll think of you each step of the way
And I will always love you
I will always love you
Bitter-sweet memories
That’s all I am taking with me
Good-bye, please don’t cry
We both know that I’m not
What you need
I will always love you
I will always love you
I hope life, treats you kind
And I hope that you have all
That you ever dreamed of
And I wish you joy
And happiness
But above all of this
I wish you love
And I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you