Good News Tucson - A Family Values Publication

'Better' brings Dolly back at her best by Jennifer Boughton

Dolly Parton has returned to the airwaves with her biggest Billboard Hot Country solo, in over 15 years - and it was well worth the wait! "Better Get to Livin", Dolly's new single from her upcoming album "Backwoods Barbie" debuted at No. 57 the week of September 28th, and has launched itself into the No. 50 position as of press time. That's Dolly's highest posting billed on her own since "Country Road" took the path to No. 46 back in 1992.

According to Billboard Magazine, 'Better' is also the 105th Dolly song to chart, affording her the recognition of charting more songs than any other female artist in the history of Country radio. Thanks to the new hit single 'Better', Dolly's chart span on Hot Country Songs now exceeds 40 years - counting back to the debut of "Dumb Blonde" (Monument) the week of Jan. 21, 1967.

Known for numerous inspirational and uplifting songs during her career, Dolly once again adds to her list of true-to-life songs with 'Better' -- an anthem to her own personal recipe for living life to its fullest through a positive outlook on life, practicing love and forgiveness and knowing that God will hear your prayers.

People always comin' up to me and askin'
"Dolly, what's your secret?
With all you do, your attitude
Just seems to be so good
How do you keep it?"
Well I'm not the Dalai Lama, but I'll try
To offer up a few words of advice

You better get to livin', givin'
Don't forget to throw in a little forgivin'
And lovin' on the way
You better get to knowin', showin'
A little bit more concerned about where you're goin'
Just a word unto the wise
You better get to livin'

A girlfriend came to my house
Started cryin' on my shoulder Sunday evening
She was spinnin' such a sad tale
I could not believe the yarn that she was weavin'
So negative the words she had to say
I said if I had a violin I'd play

I said you'd better get to livin', givin'
Be willing and forgivin'
Cause all healing has to start with you
You better stop whining, pining
Get your dreams in line
And then just shine, design, refine
Until they come true
And you better get to livin'
Your life's a wreck, your house is mess
And your wardrobe way outdated
All your plans just keep on falling through
Overweight and under paid, under appreciated
I'm no guru, but I'll tell you
This I know is true

You better get to livin', givin'
A little more thought about bein'
A little more willin' to make a better way
Don't sweat the small stuff
Keep your chin up
Just hang tough
And if it gets too rough
Fall on your knees and pray
And do that everyday
Then you'll get to livin'

The day we're born we start to die
Don't waste one minute of this life
Get to livin'
Share your dreams and share your laughter
Make some points for the great
hereafter

Better start carin'
Better start sharin'
Better start tryin'
Better start smiling
And you better get to livin'

Currently available exclusively through itunes, Dolly is following the success of other musicians who have begun marketing their music through digital format prior to the album's release, due out in February 2008. Visit www.dollypartonmusic.net to download the new single, or watch for the upcoming World Tour dates planned to begin next year.