Released in 1979, “You’re the Only One” stands as one of Dolly Parton’s finest chart-toppers, capturing the emotional sincerity that defines much of her musical legacy. Featured on her album Great Balls of Fire, the song marked Dolly’s successful stride into the realm of country-pop crossover—a move that elevated her from a country darling to a global icon.
Written by Carole Bayer Sager and Bruce Roberts, the lyrics of “You’re the Only One” reflect a deep, unwavering love—one that lingers even when the person is gone. Dolly’s delivery is delicate yet powerful, bringing the words to life with an honesty that resonates deeply with listeners.
The song climbed all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in August 1979, further solidifying Dolly’s reign during a golden period of her career. Even today, it remains a beloved gem in her vast catalog, often overlooked but never forgotten.
I found out the hard way And I’m never gonna break your heart I know, too late And I don’t wanna break your heart Guess I had to go away just to find What I left behind
You’re the only one, you’re the only one Take me back to where we started from And let’s make it now like we made it then This old heart ain’t gonna break your heart again
Nights I lay in bed And your covers wouldn’t warm my feet And mornin’ found me bitter or a bit too sweet Oh, baby, I had to go away just to run back and say
You’re the only one, you’re the only one Take me back to where we started from Can we make it now like we made it then? This old heart ain’t gonna break your heart again
You’re the only one darlin’ They’ll never be anyone else but you I love you so much You are my love, you’ve become my life And I never meant to break your heart But sometimes, you just gotta go away To find what you left behind
You’re the only one, you’re the only one Take me back to where we started from Can we make it now like we make it then? This old heart ain’t gonna break your heart again
You’re the only one, you’re the only one (you’re the only one) You’re the only one, the only one So take me back to where we started from (you’re the only one)
You’re the only one, the only one You’re the on- (you’re the only one) You’re the only one, the only one Take me back to where we started from (you’re the only one)
You’re the only one, the only one You’re the only one (you’re the only one) The only one, the only one…
