Country icon Dolly Parton brought back a timeless piece of music treasure with the help of Keith Urban. It’s Johnny Mathis’ 1957 B-side pop track “The Twelfth of Never” from his album Johnny’s Greatest Hits.

The song was written by Jerry Livingston and Paul Francis Webster, and the tune—except for the bridge—was adapted from the English folk song “The Riddle Song” (also known as “I Gave My Love a Cherry”). Mathis first recorded it a year later, and his original version made it number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. In the country genre, Donny Osmond dropped his cover of the track in 1973, and it hit number one on the UK charts.

Then, Dolly Parton gave it another life in 2005. She released it on her forty-first solo studio album Those Were the Days in 2005 under Sugar Hill Records and Blue Eye Records, along with other covers of 1960s and ‘70s folk and pop songs. And she performed them in a bluegrass style.

Meaning Behind the Song

The song is short, with only three verses, but it’s definitely sweet.

Parton opens with the line, “You ask how much I need you, must I explain? / I need you, oh, my darling, like roses need rain.” Her warm, emotive voice captured the romantic and timeless essence of the song that’d surely melt anyone’s heart. But if you didn’t melt with that, you’d surely be with the next.

When he asked how long she’d love him, she answered, “Until the 12th of never, I’ll still be loving you.” According to Urban Dictionary, the phrase “12th of never” is the date of a future event that will never come to pass. So, it’s basically her saying she’d love him forever. 

Urban then joins in the chorus. Together, they sing a heartfelt call to their lover to hold them close, never let them go, and melt their hearts like it will snow.

After that, they do one more run together, but this time, Urban goes for the harmony. And that arrangement definitely hit the nail, as the singer’s smooth and soulful voice provided a rich contrast to Parton’s signature soprano voice. You’d really have to listen for yourself to comprehend how good it is.

So, what are you waiting for? Click the play button and enjoy Dolly Parton and Keith Urban’s rendition of “The Twelfth of Never.”

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