Introduction:
“Put It Off Until Tomorrow” is a song with a rich history in country music, most notably associated with Dolly Parton. While she has recorded it multiple times, her duet version with Kris Kristofferson brought a unique collaboration to the song.
- Year Released: The song was written in the 1960s. Dolly Parton and her uncle, Bill Owens, co-wrote it. Bill Phillips first recorded the song in 1966. Dolly Parton sang harmony on that recording, though she was uncredited. The Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson duet was released in 1982.
- Album: The Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson version appears on the 1982 compilation album The Winning Hand. This album also features Willie Nelson and Brenda Lee.
Genre: “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” is a country song with strong influences of classic country. It tells a story of heartbreak and a lover’s plea to delay a painful departure.
The song’s narrative and musical style are characteristic of traditional country music:
- Storytelling: The lyrics convey a direct and emotional narrative.
- Vocal Performance: The song relies on the singers’ expressive vocals to carry the emotional weight.
- Instrumentation: While versions vary, the song typically features instrumentation common in country music, such as acoustic guitar, and harmonies.
Achievements and Significance: “Put It Off Until Tomorrow” has had a lasting impact, even beyond the Parton/Kristofferson duet.
- Early Recognition for Parton: The song is considered an important early step in Dolly Parton’s career. Her uncredited harmony on Bill Phillips’ recording drew attention to her talent.
- Chart Success: Bill Phillips’ 1966 version of the song reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
- Dolly Parton’s Enduring Connection: Parton has recorded the song several times throughout her career, demonstrating its personal significance. She included it on her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, and with Porter Wagoner.
- Collaboration Significance: The duet version with Kris Kristofferson brought together two major figures in country music, adding a new dimension to the song.
- Other Notable Versions: The song has been recorded by several other artists, including Loretta Lynn, Jan Howard, and Jean Shepard, highlighting its widespread appeal and classic status within the genre.