About the song
Released as part of “Coat of Many Colors”, “Tomorrow Is Forever” sits alongside other beloved tracks from the album, such as “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You.” The album, released at the height of Dolly Parton’s career, is widely regarded as a personal reflection of her life and upbringing in the Appalachian mountains. The songs in “Coat of Many Colors” showcase Parton’s skillful blend of country, bluegrass, and folk influences, as well as her ability to evoke powerful emotions through simple, heartfelt lyrics. “Tomorrow Is Forever” is a perfect example of this, with its melancholy tone and universal message about the struggles of moving on from love.
“Tomorrow Is Forever” also highlights Dolly Parton’s extraordinary ability to convey emotional vulnerability in a way that resonates with listeners of all ages. The song taps into the timeless experience of heartbreak—the feeling of being stuck in the past while trying to imagine a better future. In this way, the song transcends its time of release and continues to speak to listeners today. Dolly Parton has long been celebrated for her authenticity, and “Tomorrow Is Forever” is no exception. It showcases her innate ability to craft songs that feel deeply personal yet universally relatable, reflecting the universal human experience of loss and the hope for renewal.
From a societal perspective, “Tomorrow Is Forever” was released during a time when country music was evolving and becoming more reflective of the emotional experiences of everyday people. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, country music was undergoing a shift, moving away from the honky-tonk sounds of the past and embracing more narrative-driven, folk-inspired songs. With “Tomorrow Is Forever,” Dolly Parton taps into this shift, offering a deeply introspective piece that deals with the complexity of human emotions and relationships. The song’s themes of love, pain, and the passage of time struck a chord with audiences at the time, and continue to do so today.
Dolly Parton’s impact on country music, especially during this period, cannot be overstated. As a female artist in a genre traditionally dominated by men, Parton broke new ground by offering songs that were deeply personal, often drawing on her own life experiences growing up in poverty in rural Tennessee. The raw, emotional quality of her songwriting, as exemplified in “Tomorrow Is Forever,” helped to elevate her as one of country music’s most beloved and enduring figures. While the song may not have been a chart-topping hit like some of her later tracks, it remains a fan favorite and a critical part of her legacy.
The societal influence of “Tomorrow Is Forever” also lies in its portrayal of the resilience of the human spirit. In a world where hardship and heartbreak are unavoidable, Dolly Parton’s lyrics suggest that while we may face moments of despair, there is always hope for the future. The notion that “tomorrow is forever” encourages a sense of optimism, even in the darkest of times. This message of perseverance and faith is something that has resonated with audiences for decades and continues to be one of the defining themes of Dolly Parton’s work.
In conclusion, “Tomorrow Is Forever” is a quintessential example of Dolly Parton’s songwriting mastery. Released in 1971 as part of “Coat of Many Colors,” the song speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and hope, encapsulating the emotional depth that has come to define Parton’s work. Through her tender delivery and poignant lyrics, Dolly Parton invites her listeners into a world where the complexities of human relationships are explored with empathy and grace. The song’s enduring appeal speaks to Parton’s unique ability to connect with people through her heartfelt music, making “Tomorrow Is Forever” not only a song for its time but one for all generations.
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Lyrics
Take my hand and run with me out of the past called yesterdayAnd walk with me into the future of tomorrowYesterday must be forgot no looking back no matter whatThere’s nothing there but mem’ries that bring sorrowYesterday is gone gone but tomorrow is foreverNo more crying tears leave tracks and mem’ries find their way backTomorrow’s waking let’s journey there togetherYesterday is gone gone gone but tomorrow is foreverI care not for yesterday I love you as you are todayYesterday just helped to pass the time while waitingWe must forget the passing time my love for you is the real kindThe kind that won’t hurt you no neverYesterday is gone gone gone but tomorrow is foreverYesterday is gone gone gone but tomorrow is forever