Background
“Put It Off Until Tomorrow” is a country song written by Dolly Parton and recorded by Bill Phillips in 1966. While Parton penned the track, it was Phillips who first released it as a single, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in early 1967. Parton’s own version of the song wasn’t officially released until 1969 as part of her album, “My Blue Ridge Mountain Boy.” Although Parton’s rendition didn’t achieve the same chart success as Phillips’, it has become a beloved deep cut for fans and a testament to her songwriting prowess. The song showcases Parton’s ability to craft heartfelt narratives centered on everyday struggles and relatable emotions, themes that would become hallmarks of her illustrious career.
Musical Style
“Put It Off Until Tomorrow” is a classic example of the traditional country sound prevalent in the 1960s. The instrumentation is anchored by prominent steel guitar, providing a melancholic and wistful atmosphere that perfectly complements the song’s lyrical themes of procrastination and regret. The melody is simple yet effective, allowing the listener to focus on the storytelling aspect of the lyrics. There’s a gentle, almost lullaby-like quality to the music, which underscores the sense of resignation and weariness conveyed in the vocals. The arrangement is relatively sparse, avoiding unnecessary embellishments and allowing the core instruments – primarily steel guitar, acoustic guitar, and bass – to shine through. The overall effect is a raw and authentic country sound that evokes a sense of nostalgia and timeless appeal.
The vocal delivery in both Phillips’ and Parton’s versions is characterized by a clear, emotive style that emphasizes the storytelling aspect of the song. Phillips imbues the lyrics with a sense of world-weariness, his voice resonating with the fatigue and resignation of someone grappling with the consequences of procrastination. Parton’s rendition, while slightly more upbeat tempo-wise, retains the emotional core of the song. Her distinctive vocal timbre adds a layer of vulnerability and introspection, highlighting the internal conflict of the narrator.
Lyrics
The song’s lyrics explore the universal human tendency to procrastinate, specifically focusing on the emotional toll it takes on the individual. The narrator reflects on a series of tasks and responsibilities that have been repeatedly put off – writing a letter, making a phone call, mending a broken heart. Each verse highlights a different instance of procrastination, culminating in a chorus that encapsulates the central theme: “Put it off until tomorrow, let’s put it off until tomorrow / There’s always one more day to do the things we don’t want to do.” This repetition reinforces the cyclical nature of procrastination, suggesting that delaying tasks often leads to a perpetual cycle of avoidance and regret.
Beyond the surface level of procrastination, the lyrics also touch upon deeper themes of loss, regret, and the fleeting nature of time. The line “The letter that I should have written, has turned yellow with age” suggests that procrastination can lead to missed opportunities and the erosion of important relationships. The unmade phone call and the unmended heart further underscore the potential consequences of delaying action. The lyrics paint a picture of someone grappling with the weight of undone tasks, recognizing the need for change but ultimately succumbing to the allure of putting things off until another day. The closing lines, “Tomorrow’s just another day to cry,” suggest a profound sense of despair and the realization that procrastination offers only temporary respite from underlying issues.
Cultural Impact
While “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” didn’t achieve the widespread commercial success of some of Parton’s later hits, it has endured as a significant piece of her songwriting catalog. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its relatable theme of procrastination, a universal human experience that transcends generations. Its exploration of this common struggle resonates with listeners who recognize their own tendencies to delay tasks and grapple with the resulting feelings of guilt and regret. The song’s simple yet poignant message has likely contributed to its longevity, reminding listeners of the importance of taking action and confronting challenges head-on rather than succumbing to the temptation to postpone them.
Though not a chart-topper for Parton herself, Bill Phillip’s success with the song helped establish Parton’s credibility as a songwriter in Nashville’s country music scene. It served as an early indicator of her talent for crafting emotionally resonant lyrics and memorable melodies, paving the way for her subsequent success as both a songwriter and performer. The song has also been covered by various other artists over the years, further solidifying its place in the country music canon and demonstrating its enduring appeal to both musicians and audiences. Its influence can be seen in subsequent country songs that explore similar themes of regret, lost time, and the importance of living in the present moment.
Conclusion
“Put It Off Until Tomorrow” stands as a testament to Dolly Parton’s songwriting genius, showcasing her ability to capture universal human experiences in simple yet profound ways. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its relatable theme of procrastination, its melancholic melody, and its poignant lyrics that delve into the emotional consequences of delaying action. Although not one of Parton’s most commercially successful releases, it remains a beloved deep cut for fans and a significant piece of her musical legacy. It serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of confronting challenges rather than succumbing to the temptation to put them off until tomorrow. The song’s lasting impact lies in its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level, resonating with their own experiences and offering a timeless message about the importance of living in the present moment.