Better Get to Livin'

Dolly Parton wrote this inspirational country-pop tune with Kent Wells, her co-producer and band manager. Despite facing serious issues throughout her life, including an impoverished childhood, infertility, depression, and endless tabloid rumors, Dolly has always exhibited a positive attitude and is known for her bubbly personality. Wells suggested she write a song for curiosity-seekers about her secret to happiness. The result was this lead single from Backwoods Barbie, where she outlines her joy method, singing: You better get to livin', givin' A little more thought about bein' a little more willin' To make a better way Don't sweat the small stuff, keep your chin up Just hang tough and if it gets too rough Fall on your knees and pray And do that every day

Mostly, Dolly wanted people to know that they're not alone in their struggles. She explained in a press release: "I think life has always been a pressure cooker. People react to whatever pressures they're under at the time according to their tolerance level and their mental attitude. Certainly with so much attention today on being skinny and beautiful, rich and famous, equal pay for equal work, getting ahead, raising kids, holding down a job, getting older, etc., well I think this song says some things to let people know they're not the only ones in that fix. And this song offers some advice for a way out."

This features backing vocals from gospel singers Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman.