Joshua (song)

"Joshua" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Dolly Parton. It was released on November 9, 1970 as the first single and title track from the album Joshua. The song was significant for being her first single to reach number 1 on the US country charts.^[1] 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.

"Joshua"
Single by Dolly Parton
from the album Joshua
B-side	"I'm Doing This for Your Sake"
Released	November 9, 1970
Recorded	RCA Studio "B", Nashville; October 1970
Genre	Country
Length	3:05
Label	RCA Victor
Songwriter(s)	Dolly Parton
Producer(s)	Bob Ferguson
Dolly Parton singles chronology
"Mule Skinner Blues" (1970) "Joshua" (1970) "Comin' for to Carry Me Home" (1971)

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

Chart (1970–1971)	Peak position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)^[2]	1
US Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles (Billboard)^[3]	8
Canadian RPM Country Tracks	2

Year-End

Chart (1971)	Peak Position
US Hot Country Songs (Billboard)^[4]	25

External links

 

Wikiquote has quotations related to Joshua (song).

• Joshua lyrics at Dolly Parton On-Line

References

1. Whitburn, Joel (2004). The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Country Hits: 1944-2006, Second edition. Record Research. p. 261.
2. "Dolly Parton Chart History (Hot Country Songs)". Billboard.
3. "Dolly Parton Chart History (Bubbling Under Hot 100)". Billboard.
4. "Billboard Hot Country Songs - Year-End Charts (1971)". Billboard. Retrieved 4 December 2020.