Dolly Parton - Little Sparrow (audio) Review

: The track (and the Little Sparrow album) features backing from acoustic "leading lights" like Alison Krauss , Jerry Douglas , and members of the Irish band Altan .

: The track features a "chilling" a cappella intro with tight harmonies before evolving into a slow, minor-key arrangement. Parton herself has noted that acoustic settings like this allow her "little voice" to be heard "from the heart" rather than just singing loud over electric instruments. Dolly Parton - Little Sparrow (Audio)

: Adapting the traditional melody from the ballad "Fair and Tender Ladies," Parton delivers a stark warning to young women to never trust the "hearts of men," who will "crush you like a sparrow". : The track (and the Little Sparrow album)

: Reviewers from AllMusic and American Songwriter note the track's heavy, pessimistic tone, portraying a cycle of sorrow that seems to never end. Musicality and "Blue Mountain" Style : Adapting the traditional melody from the ballad