About The Song
“Coat of Many Colors” is a poignant country song performed by the iconic singer-songwriter Dolly Parton. Released in 1971 as the title track of her album of the same name, the song has become one of Parton’s most beloved and enduring compositions.
Written by Parton herself, “Coat of Many Colors” tells the autobiographical story of her childhood growing up in poverty in rural Tennessee. The song recounts how Parton’s mother lovingly stitched together a coat for her out of rags, imparting lessons of love, resilience, and the importance of inner strength.
With its heartfelt lyrics, gentle melody, and Parton’s emotive vocals, “Coat of Many Colors” struck a chord with audiences and quickly became a hit on the country music charts. The song’s message of finding beauty in simplicity and cherishing the love of family resonated with listeners of all ages.
“Coat of Many Colors” has since become a timeless classic in the country music genre, beloved by fans and covered by numerous artists over the years. Its enduring popularity and universal themes of love, resilience, and the power of imagination continue to make it a cherished favorite among audiences around the world.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Back through the years
I go wonderin’ once again
Back to the seasons of my youth
I recall a box of rags that someone gave us
And how my momma put the rags to use
There were rags of many colors
But every piece was small
And I didn’t have a coat
And it was way down in the fall
Momma sewed the rags together
Sewin’ every piece with love
She made my coat of many colors
That I was so proud of
As she sewed, she told a story
From the Bible she had read
About a coat of many colors
Joseph wore and then she said
Perhaps this coat will bring you
Good luck and happiness
And I just couldn’t wait to wear it
And momma blessed it with a kiss
My coat of many colors
That my momma made for me
Made only from rags
But I wore it so proudly
Although we had no money
I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
So with patches on my britches
And holes in both my shoes
In my coat of many colors
I hurried off to school
Just to find the others laughing
And making fun of me
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
And oh, I couldn’t understand it
For I felt I was rich
And I told ’em of the love
My momma sewed in every stitch
And I told ’em all the story
Momma told me while she sewed
And how my coat of many colors
Was worth more than all their clothes
But they didn’t understand it
And I tried to make them see
That one is only poor
Only if they choose to be
Now I know we had no money
But I was rich as I could be
In my coat of many colors
My momma made for me
Made just for me