You Can't Make Old Friends

Album: You Can't Make Old Friends (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This collaboration between Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton was recorded for the title track of Rogers' album, You Can't Make Old Friends. The two Country legends have recorded several duets together, most notably "Islands in the Stream," which topped both the Pop and Country charts in 1983.
  • The song was written by Ryan Hanna King, Caitlyn Smith and Don Schlitz (the latter wrote Rogers' #1 country hit, "The Gambler"). Rogers said it was an ideal tune for the pair to celebrate their long-standing friendship. "I can't think of a more perfect song for the two of us to sing together," Rogers said. "Out of everyone in the business, Dolly is my best friend, so naturally it has special meaning for the both of us. It was so good to be back in the studio with her. I'm thrilled to have our relationship documented this way."

    "There is just something about our chemistry with each other, our friendship, that people really sense what we really feel," Parton added. "To do a song that fits so many people, and certainly us, was an honor. It's been a wonderful journey, and I'm so glad I've been able to walk this road with Kenny."
  • Rogers told Billboard magazine that the song is one of the most emotional the pair have cut together. "It's very poignantly sad," he said, "I think. I love the song, but it deals very close to reality. Dolly told me 'I want you to know I can't sing at your funeral.' I told her 'So, you're assuming that I'm going to go first.' The more we did that song together, it just said some wonderful things like 'Who's gonna finish the stories I start the way you used to do?' With old friends, you know each other well enough to do that – to finish a story."

Comments: 2

  • Cally from Port HarcourtQuite an emotional song, had tear drops while watching them sing it.
  • Anonymous from Kellet Ssembalirwa UgandaKenny and dolly God had created them diferently
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Zac Hanson

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

80s Music Quiz 1

80s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

MTV, a popular TV theme song and Madonna all show up in this '80s music quiz.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music Scene

Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt On How To Create A Music SceneSong Writing

With $50 and a glue stick, Bruce Pavitt created Sub Pop, a fanzine-turned-label that gave the world Nirvana and grunge. He explains how motivated individuals can shift culture.

John Doe of X

John Doe of XSongwriter Interviews

With his X-wife Exene, John fronts the band X and writes their songs.