Dolly Parton really knew what she was doing when she sang “9 to 5”.
Though a massive country music star at the time, she still knew what it was like to work a full day.
That, and there’s nothing more country than being hardworking.
So when it came time to breathe some new life into her classic hit, she needed someone with the heart and vocals to match hers.
And for her new version of “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton brought Kelly Clarkson on board to put a modern spin on the song with her.
But bringing a new voice alone isn’t enough to make your old song sound refreshing.
Of course, these two knew that very well.
A simple duet wouldn’t be enough after a 43-year gap since the original.
In fact, it could even be disappointing.
Well, we don’t need to worry.
This new take on the song is anything but disappointing.
Recorded for the documentary “Still Working 9 to 5,” this new take from Parton and Clarkson isn’t as upbeat or happy as the original.
Though Parton’s original song was upbeat, this one is much more somber and mellow.
While the original sounded like a happy rant, this one is more of a heartfelt outpour of the singer’s thoughts.
After all, the song was about women in the workplace.
A lot has changed in the over 40 years since the song was released.
Has enough change – good change- happened to women in the workplace since then?
“Still Working 9 to 5” asks that question.
Clarkson’s presence on the song as a new generation of female singers is pretty fitting too.
All those decades later, and she still has to put up with nearly the same things as Parton did in 1980.
Kelly Clarkson has a lot of experience performing emotional songs.
Thanks to that, she can give these lyrics the heart they need.
“Barely getting by, it’s all taking and no giving” hits pretty different, with Kelly singing them much sadder than the original.
Every working lady is familiar with the plight in the song.
“Pour myself a cup of ambition/And yawn and stretch and try to come to life” hits pretty close to home.
This daily schedule is indeed enough to drive you crazy if you let it.
Clarkson has dealt with an autoimmune condition since 2006, all while working to provide for herself and her family.
It seems like Parton couldn’t have found a better person to duet this song with.
Of course, this is still a Dolly Parton song.
Her voice is on this track too, and it still sounds just as good 40 years later.
A lot has changed since 1980, but Parton’s voice is as good as ever.
She sings with the experience of seeing a lot of change, but not enough, in all those 40 years.
This duet from two powerful women in music is a perfect fit for the documentary.
Before you go over to see the documentary, maybe give yourself a teaser and listen to the song first.
Watch the video below to hear the fantastic modern take on “9 to 5” from Dolly Parton and Kelly Clarkson!
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