A Timeless Ballad of Love and Longing
When you listen to “To Know Him Is to Love Him” by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, it feels as though time slows down, and the warm glow of nostalgia wraps around you like a familiar embrace. Released in 1987 as part of their groundbreaking album “Trio”, this song is a heartfelt tribute to love in its purest form—love that is simple, yet profound, fleeting, yet eternal.
The song was originally written by Phil Spector and first made famous in 1958 by his group, The Teddy Bears. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its poignant lyrics, expressing the idea that to truly know someone is to love them, captured the hearts of listeners. The cover by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, however, brought a fresh emotional depth to the track, infusing it with a blend of country, folk, and rock elements that would resonate with a new generation. When this version hit the charts in 1987, it made an impression on both critics and listeners alike, bringing the song back into the spotlight.
For older listeners, especially those who grew up in the golden age of the 1950s and ’60s, the song may evoke memories of simpler times, perhaps of young love or lost opportunities. The sincerity of the lyrics, “To know, know, know him is to love, love, love him,” is timeless and universal—no matter where you are in life, it speaks to the heart. For those who are well-versed in the music of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, this song represents a meeting of legendary talents, each with their own unique style, yet harmonizing beautifully as a trio. Their voices, rich and powerful in their own right, blend together effortlessly in a way that makes this rendition of “To Know Him Is to Love Him” both soothing and heart-wrenching.
The meaning behind the song transcends the simplicity of its words. It speaks to the deep connection that only true love can bring, a love that requires no words because it’s understood in the simplest acts and gestures. The blend of the three artists’ voices creates an emotional atmosphere where the listener can almost feel the weight of the unspoken bond being described.
It’s easy to imagine the feeling of longing and yearning that comes with knowing and loving someone so deeply. The song’s message touches on the universal theme of love’s transformative power—the idea that to truly understand someone is to fall in love with the very essence of who they are. This message resonates particularly strongly with older audiences, who may reflect on their own relationships and the people they’ve loved throughout their lives.
“To Know Him Is to Love Him” in its 1987 rendition is a testament to the enduring power of a song that transcends generations. Through the voices of these three iconic women, it reminds us that love, in all its forms, remains a timeless theme—one that will continue to resonate with listeners for generations to come.