Better Get to Livin'

Dolly Parton

About Better Get to Livin'

"Better Get to Livin'" is a song by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. It was released on August 28, 2007, exclusively to the iTunes Store as the first release by Parton's own record label, Dolly Records. The song was subsequently sent to country radio on September 28 as the first single from Parton's 2008 album, Backwoods Barbie. An upbeat country pop song, its lyrics deal with keeping a positive attitude and overcoming negative emotions. The song garnered positive reviews from critics and reached number 48 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The music video featuring Parton and Amy Sedaris premiered November 26. 


Year:
2014
3:35

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

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

[Chorus]
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And your wardrobe way outdated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'...

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Dolly Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. She has composed over 3,000 songs, the best known of which include "I Will Always Love You" (a two-time U.S. country chart-topper for Parton, as well as an international pop hit for Whitney Houston), "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors", "9 to 5", and "My Tennessee Mountain Home". As an actress, she starred in the movies 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, Gnomeo & Juliet, Straight Talk, Unlikely Angel, and Joyful Noise. She is one of the most successful female country artists of all time; with an estimated 175 million in album sales, Dolly Parton is also o… more »

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Written by: DOLLY PARTON, MICHAEL K. WELLS

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Details
"Better Get to Livin'" was released on August 28, 2007. The song is recorded by country music artist Dolly Parton.
Album
The song is the first track on Parton's album "Backwoods Barbie," which was her first mainstream country album in over a decade.
Genre
"Better Get to Livin'" is a country pop song with elements of bluegrass, a genre Parton is known for revolutionizing.
Song Theme
The song has a motivational theme. It encourages listeners to start living life fully, letting go of the past and focusing on the present and future.
Music Video
The music video of "Better Get to Livin'" featured actress and singer Amy Sedaris. It was designed to show Parton as a circus performer.
Chart Performance
The song debuted at number 48 on the country chart. It was Parton's first solo top 50 single in 14 years.
Creative Team
The song was written by Dolly Parton and her producer Kent Wells.
Live Performances
Parton performed "Better Get to Livin'" on American Idol during the 2008 season.
Reviews
The song received positive reviews from critics, with Billboard magazine stating that it was "proof that Dolly Parton remains a relevant, potent force in contemporary country music."
Professional Honors
The song received a Grammy nomination in 2008 for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Inspirations
"Better Get To Livin'" was reportedly inspired by Parton's belief in life's possibilities and the importance of having a positive mindset.
Philanthropic Connection
Parton has used the theme of the song in her work with the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program she founded that provides free books to children from birth to age five.

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