Introduction
Dolly Parton’s cover of the 4 Non Blondes classic “What’s Up?” featuring the original singer and songwriter Linda Perry, is a powerful and surprisingly poignant centerpiece of Parton’s 2023 rock album, Rockstar. The song, originally a 1993 anthem of existential frustration, takes on new weight and texture when delivered by the 77-year-old country legend. Parton retains the core energy of the track but infuses the lyrics with the wisdom and deep spiritual contemplation of a lifetime lived.
Parton’s vocal performance is less raw than Perry’s original powerhouse belt, replacing youthful anguish with a soulful, gospel-tinged inquiry. This maturity is evident in key lyrical changes. For instance, the original line “Twenty-five years and my life is still / Just trying to get up that great big hill of hope” is changed to the more reflective “All of these years,” grounding the universal struggle in her personal experience. Furthermore, the famously defiant call for a “revolution” is subtly altered to a prayer for a “resolution,” shifting the tone from radical political change to a desire for harmony and understanding in a chaotic world.
The collaboration with Linda Perry is a brilliant touch, with Perry providing guitar and harmonizing vocals that bridge the gap between the original alternative rock spirit and Parton’s country-rock interpretation. The song’s accompanying music video, featuring children, underscores Parton’s stated intention: to make people reflect on “what’s going on in this world today” and consider the future awaiting the next generation. Ultimately, Parton’s “What’s Up?” is a deeply felt cover that honors the song’s original intensity while offering a more compassionate, enduring perspective on life’s constant challenges.