In a recent interview, Miley Cyrus revealed that Dolly Parton, her godmother and fellow country music legend, was so fond of Cyrus’s 2023 song Used to Be Young that she initially wanted it for herself. The song, which reflects on aging and the passage of time, resonated deeply with Parton, who is approaching her 80s. Cyrus explained that Parton found the lyrics of the song particularly compelling but had a playful objection to it, considering it unfair that Cyrus, still young at 32, was singing about being past her prime.
Dolly’s Reaction to “Used to Be Young”
During the interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Cyrus shared a humorous moment of discord with Parton regarding the song’s theme. Parton, 78, was concerned about the message of the song, particularly the line “used to be young,” as it came from someone still considered youthful. As Cyrus recounted, Parton remarked, “I don’t know if I like that new song Used to Be Young because it’s not fair that you’re singing about not being young when you’re young and beautiful.” Parton, reflecting on her own experience with aging, admitted that she thought the song would be more fitting for someone in her age bracket.
This exchange highlights the close, yet sometimes humorous, dynamic between the two stars, who have a history of mutual admiration. Parton’s affection for the song shows how deeply she connects with themes of aging and youth, making it easy to understand why she would covet a song that so closely mirrors her own life reflections.
Miley Cyrus’s Doubts About Releasing the Song
Despite Parton’s praise, Cyrus admitted to having moments of doubt regarding the release of Used to Be Young. She confessed that, after listening to the track, she questioned whether it was necessary to make the personal song public. The lyrics, which reflect on her youthful mistakes and experiences, delve into her life in a way that feels deeply intimate. For Cyrus, the song was an expression of her past as she acknowledged her youthful mistakes and the lessons learned from them.
The track’s lyrics include lines such as:
“I know I used to be crazy / I know I used to be fun / You say I used to be wild / I say I used to be young / You tell me time has changed me / That’s fine; I’ve had a good run.”
However, as Cyrus has matured, she has come to accept her past and the lessons it brought. Despite her initial doubts, the song’s release stands as a testament to her openness about her journey through youth, fame, and personal growth.
Cyrus Embraces Mistakes in Personal and Artistic Growth
Cyrus also shared how the song reflects her current mindset, where she has come to terms with the mistakes of her past. She spoke to Harper’s Bazaar about how youth and mistakes are intertwined, like “yin and yang,” shaping the person she is today. This perspective has informed not only her personal development but also her forthcoming music. Her upcoming studio album, Something Beautiful, is an attempt to bring some healing to society through her work. Cyrus sees the record as a way to address a “sick culture” through music, using her platform to encourage introspection and growth.
For more updates on Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, stay tuned to Vviptimes.
