I grew up poor and ragged, just a simple country girl.
I wanted to be pretty more than anything in the world,
Like Barbie or the models in the Fredricks' catalog.
From rags to wishes in my dreams I could have it all.
I'm just a backwoods Barbie, too much makeup, too much hair.
Don't be fooled by thinkin' that the goods are not all there.
Don't let these false eyelashes lead you to believe that
I'm as shallow as I look 'cause I run true and deep.

I've always been misunderstood because of how I look.
Don't judge me by the cover 'cause I'm a real good book.
So read into it what you will, but see me as I am.
The way I look is just a country girl's idea of glam.

I'm just a backwoods Barbie in a push-up bra and heels.
I might look artificial, but where it counts I'm real.
And I'm all dolled up and hopin' for a chance to prove my worth,
And even backwoods Barbie's get their feelings hurt.

I'm just a backwoods Barbie, too much makeup, too much hair.
Don't be fooled by thinkin' that the goods are not all there.
Yes, I can see where I could be misjudged upon first glance,
But even backwoods Barbie's deserve a second chance.
I'm just a backwoods Barbie just asking for a chance,
Just a backwoods Barbie.


Lyrics submitted by Cest-La-Vie

Backwoods Barbie Lyrics as written by Dolly Parton

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Backwoods Barbie song meanings
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    General Comment

    There's a good youtube video of this song (London, 2009) where she introduces the song with a little story about her childhood. Her performance suggests there is more to be read between the lines. The lyrics, for me, apply just as much to 2009 Dolly Parton as they do to childhood Dolly.

    I hear Dolly singing "I'm here, I can play my instrument, I can sing. I'm not a Joke, enough with the tit jokes, they hurt, you know?" Many consider her to be an underrated artist. I think she acknowledges this in a way.

    Tunacrabon August 28, 2012   Link

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