"Joshua" is a song written and recorded by American
country music
Country (also called country and western) is a genre of popular music that originated in the Southern and Southwestern United States in the early 1920s. It primarily derives from blues, church music such as Southern gospel and spirituals, ...
artist
Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman, known primarily for her work in country music. After achieving success as a songwriter for others, Parton made her album d ...
. It was released on November 9, 1970 as the first single and title track from the album ''
Joshua
Joshua () or Yehoshua ( ''Yəhōšuaʿ'', Tiberian: ''Yŏhōšuaʿ,'' lit. 'Yahweh is salvation') ''Yēšūaʿ''; syr, ܝܫܘܥ ܒܪ ܢܘܢ ''Yəšūʿ bar Nōn''; el, Ἰησοῦς, ar , يُوشَعُ ٱبْنُ نُونٍ '' Yūšaʿ ...
''. The song was significant for being her first single to reach number 1 on the US country charts.
The single reached number 1 on the ''
Billboard'' country charts in February 1971. Parton received her first
Grammy nomination in the Best Country Female Vocal category for the song, losing to
Lynn Anderson.
Background
The song drew on many
Appalachian references from Parton's youth which she would revisit throughout her career.
Content
The song is about an adventurous young girl who dares to visit the property of a rural
recluse, who has a reputation for being mean and hostile.
Chart performance
Weekly
Year-End
External links
Joshua lyrics at Dolly Parton On-Line
References
1970 songs
Dolly Parton songs
1970 singles
Songs written by Dolly Parton
RCA Records singles
Song recordings produced by Bob Ferguson (musician)
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