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Introduction
“Sacred Memories” is a heartfelt gospel track from Dolly Parton that showcases her deep spiritual roots and connection to faith. Released as part of her gospel music repertoire, this song exemplifies Parton’s ability to blend her signature country sound with religious themes that have been central to her life since childhood.
Growing up in the mountains of East Tennessee, Dolly was raised in the Church of God where gospel music formed the foundation of her musical education. “Sacred Memories” reflects this upbringing, with lyrics that evoke nostalgia for simpler times and the comfort found in religious traditions.
What makes this song special is how Parton’s crystalline vocals convey genuine emotion and reverence. The melody carries listeners through a journey of remembrance, celebrating the lasting impact of faith and family. Like many of her gospel works, it demonstrates Parton’s remarkable talent for storytelling through music, creating a bridge between her Appalachian heritage and universal themes of hope and remembrance.
Video
Lyrics
(Dolly Parton)
She stands before the mirror, smiles at her reflection
Striking sexy poses in the glass
She paints her lips a brilliant red, piles her hair high on her head
Struggles to replace a false eyelash.
She powders up her face, paints her cheeks to match her lips
She wears a dress cut low in the front, fittinâ tight around her hips
And there inside her room she stands and gazes at herself
Where beauty lives in mem’ry, she lives in fairy tales.
Chorus:
Mirror, mirror on the wall whoâs the fairest of them all
She sings as she goes waltzingâ cross the floor
She keeps a candle burning and she waits for his returning
When beauty lives in memory it lives forevermore.
She was a fairy princess once and was by all adored
They say she was the fairest of them all
They called her Cinderella and they say that every fella
Would gladly answer to her beck and call.
So the story went, they tell of how this handsome prince
Stole her heart and wandered far away
He took her heart and took her mind now she has lost all track of time
Forty years has passed and still she waits.
Chorus:
Singing mirror, mirror on the wall whoâs the fairest of them all
She sings as she goes waltzingâ cross the floor
She keeps a candle burning and she waits for his returning
When beauty lives in memory it lives forevermore.
Meanwhile back inside her room the shades are pulled, itâs half past noon
But in her mind why itâs forty years ago
She recalls the beauty of their love, she remembers he was beautiful
And of course she always knew she was and so the past unfolds.
Then all at once inside her mind she sees him at the door
And as heâs leading her away she feels the room begin to sway
Where beauty lives in memory she falls dead upon the floor
Mirror, mirror on the wall who’s the fairest of them all?…