Dolly Can't Save Me Now
Harlan Confessions: Bourbon Baptisms and Broken Promises
Lyrics
I woke up this morning in Dallas and I can't remember a thing
I woke up in Dallas with no memory of the previous night.
I see Cliff what's-his-name still asleep in my bed and dammit he's wearing a ring
Noticing someone named Cliff in bed with me, realizing he's married (wearing a ring).
I told a white lie to my mama, I don't want to bring her no shame
Telling a lie to avoid shaming her mother.
What she doesn't know ain't gonna hurt anybody, I'm the only one to blame
Accepting responsibility for the consequences, as what she hides won't harm others.
I've been baptized in bourbon and shine, but I just can't seem to walk the line
Having experiences with bourbon and moonshine but struggling to stay on the right path.
Checkin' off all my sins of the south, even Dolly can't save me now
Reflecting on sins committed in the South, acknowledging that even an icon like Dolly Parton can't save her.
Back home in Harlan County, business is doin' real good
Back in Harlan County, admitting success in business while knowingly defying promises made to the sheriff.
I promised that Sherriff that I'd shut her down, knowing damn well I never would
Acknowledging the unfulfilled promise to shut down the business.
I's walking home from the Palace, dancing with my glass of champagne
Recalling a night at the Palace, dancing with champagne, and facing consequences for being picked up late.
I got picked up late, went straight to the tank, ruining my family name
Getting arrested and damaging the family reputation.
I've been baptized in bourbon and shine, but I just can't seem to walk the line
Having experiences with bourbon and moonshine, struggling to maintain a moral path.
I've been checkin' off all my sins of the south, even Dolly can't save me now
Continuing to acknowledge and face the consequences of sins in the South, recognizing Dolly Parton's inability to save her.
I showed up late to the chapel, every head bowed down in prayer
Arriving late at a chapel, witnessing people praying, and stealing money, revealing a pattern of deviant behavior.
I snuck to the back and stole all the cash and got the hell out of there
Stealing money and leaving the chapel, indicating a lack of remorse or moral restraint.
One thing lead to another, sinning always happens that way
Acknowledging that sin leads to more sin, emphasizing the inevitability of wrongdoing.
But down in the south, there ain't no way out, we're all one in the same
Highlighting the inescapability of sinful behavior in the South, suggesting a shared guilt among the community.
I've been baptized in bourbon and shine, but I just can't seem to walk the line
Continuing to struggle with maintaining a virtuous path despite experiences with bourbon and moonshine.
I've been checkin' off all my sins of the south, even Dolly can't save me now
Reiterating the acknowledgment and acceptance of sins in the South, emphasizing the inability of even Dolly Parton to save from the consequences.
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