Dolly Parton – The Bargain Store

The First Song Dolly Parton Ever Wrote

About the song

In the grand tapestry of country music, few names shine as brightly as Dolly Parton. With her iconic voice, songwriting prowess, and larger-than-life personality, she has captivated audiences for decades. Among her many hits, “The Bargain Store” stands out as a poignant and heartwarming tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope.

Released in 1975, “The Bargain Store” is the title track from Parton’s fifteenth studio album. The song opens with a gentle melody and Parton’s signature folksy twang, immediately drawing the listener into its warm embrace. The lyrics, penned by Parton herself, paint a vivid picture of a metaphorical bargain store, a place where one can find treasures of love and happiness, albeit with a touch of wear and tear.

Parton’s voice is a vessel of emotion, effortlessly conveying the tenderness and vulnerability of the lyrics. She sings of “old broken hearts” and “broken dreams and plans”, yet there’s an underlying optimism that permeates the song. She suggests that these imperfections, these scars of life’s experiences, are not flaws but rather badges of honor, testaments to the resilience of the human spirit.

The chorus of “The Bargain Store” is a beacon of hope, an invitation to step into this metaphorical store and discover the treasures that lie within. “Love is all you need to purchase all the merchandise,” Parton sings, emphasizing the transformative power of love. She assures the listener that with an open heart and a willingness to mend, one can find true fulfillment and satisfaction.

The song’s message of redemption is particularly poignant in the context of Parton’s own life. Born into poverty in rural Tennessee, she faced numerous challenges and hardships throughout her upbringing. Yet, she never lost sight of her dreams, and through her unwavering determination and talent, she rose to become one of the most celebrated entertainers of all time.

“The Bargain Store” is a testament to Parton’s ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level. It’s a song that speaks to the heart, reminding us that even in the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, there is always the possibility of finding love, healing, and happiness. With its timeless message and Parton’s heartfelt delivery, “The Bargain Store” is sure to continue to touch hearts for generations to come.

Video

Lyrics

My life is likened to a bargain storeAnd I may have just what you’re looking forIf you don’t mind the fact that all the merchandise is usedBut with a little mending it could be as good as new
Why you take for instance this old broken heartIf you will just replace the missing partYou would be surprised to find how good it really isTake it and you never will be sorry that you didThe bargain store is open, come insideYou can easily afford the priceLove is all you need to purchase all the merchandiseAnd I can guarantee you’ll be completely satisfied
Take these old used memories from the pastAnd these broken dreams and plans that didn’t lastI’ll trade them for a future, I can’t use them anymoreI’ve wasted love but I still have some moreThe bargain store is open, come insideYou can easily afford the priceLove is all you need to purchase all the merchandiseAnd I can guarantee you’ll be completely satisfied
My life is likened to a bargain storeAnd I may have just what you’re looking forIf you don’t mind the fact that all the merchandise is usedBut with a little mending it could be as good as new
The bargain store is open, come inside (the bargain store is open, come inside)The bargain store is open, come inside (the bargain store is open, come inside)If you don’t mind the fact that all the merchandise