Here I Am

## **Here I Am**Single by Dolly Parton

"*Here I am, this is me*"
—Delta Goodrem
"**Here I Am**" is a song written and originally recorded by American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, included in her 1971 album *Coat of Many Colors*. In 2018, Parton re-recorded the song as a duet with Australian singer-songwriter Sia, for the soundtrack to the 2018 Netflix film *Dumplin'.* It was produced by Linda Perry and released as the first single from the soundtrack on 14 September 2018.

## Critical reception

Upon its release, the 2018 single received positive reviews from music critics. Writing for *Rolling Stone*, Althea Legaspi said Parton and Sia's "voices meld together, giving it a hymnal quality, buoyed by gospel-styled choir backing vocals." In a review for National Public Radio, Lars Gotrich noted the song's slower tempo compared to the original 1971 recording, calling the single "a gospel-infused statement of purpose."

## Commercial performance

The single sold 10,000 copies during its first week of release. It debuted and peaked at No. 37 on the US *Billboard* Hot Country Songs chart.

## Music video

The music video for the song was released on 2 November 2018. Neither Parton nor Sia appear in the video, which follows a mourner visiting a grave, a homeless man begging for change, a child cowering in fear as her mother is abused, and an elderly woman sick in bed. It focuses on the evolution of the characters introduced at the beginning, and leaves viewers with an uplifting message of hope.

## Personnel

Adapted from the album liner notes.

* Chris Allgood – mastering assistant
* David Angell – violin
* Sean Badum – string recording assistant
* Avery Bright – viola
* Billy Bush – mixing
* David Davidson – violin
* Luke Edgemon – background vocals
* Damon Fox – piano, B3 organ, electric guitar
* Luis Flores – assistant engineer
* David Goldstein – drums
* Austin Hoke – cello, string arrangements
* Emily Lazar – mastering
* Briana Lee – background vocals
* John McBride – string recording
* Billy Mohler – bass
* Emily Nelson – cello
* Dolly Parton – lead vocals
* Linda Perry – producer, engineer
* Eli Pearl – electric guitar, acoustic guitar
* Sia Furler – lead vocals
* Maiya Skykes – background vocals
* Katelyn Westergard – violin
* Kristin Weber – violin
* Kristin Wilkinson – viola

## Lyrics

Here I am, oh here I am, here I am

If you need a love that's true

Need someone to stand by you

Here I am, oh here I am, here I am

If you need a helping hand, need someone to understand

Here I am, oh here I am, here I am

Here I am, reaching out to give you love that you're without

I can help you find what you've been searching for

Oh here I am, come to me, take my hand because I believe

I can give you all the love you need and more

Oh here I am, oh here I am, here I am

My world is such an empty place

I need someone to fill the space

And here I am, oh here I am, here I am

Because I've got so much love to give

I need someone to share it with

And here I am, oh here I am, here I am

Here I am, I'm reaching out to give you love that you're without

I can help you find what you've been searching for

Oh here I am, come to me, take my hand because I believe

I can give you all the love you need and more

Oh here I am, oh here I am, here I am

Oh here reaching out to give you love that you're without

I can help you find what you've been searching for

Oh here I am, come to me, take my hand because I believe

I can give you all the love you need and more

Oh here I am, oh here I am, here I am

Oh here I am, here I am, here I am

Here I am, oh here I am, here I am

Here I am, oh here I am, oh here I am

Here I am

## References

1. ↑ https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-dolly-parton-sias-moving-new-rendition-of-here-i-am-723539/
2. ↑ https://www.npr.org/2018/09/14/647819495/dolly-parton-and-sia-collaborate-on-here-i-am-for-dumplin-soundtrack
3. ↑ http://roughstock.com/news/2018/09/43385-the-top-30-digital-country-singles-september-25-2018
4. ↑ https://tasteofcountry.com/dolly-parton-sia-here-i-am-video/