Nikki Sixx Praises Dolly Parton’s Unique Take on “Home Sweet Home”

Nikki Sixx, the iconic bassist of Mötley Crüe, recently expressed his admiration for Dolly Parton’s interpretation of the band’s classic track “Home Sweet Home.” This collaboration emerged after Sixx participated in Parton’s 2023 album, Rockstar, which she recorded following her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The Collaboration’s Origin

In a candid interview with Forbes, Sixx shared how he was eager to collaborate with Parton. His involvement in the project was made possible through his appearance on the show “Bygones” alongside rock legends Rob Halford and John 5, which ultimately led to the revitalization of “Home Sweet Home.”

A Dream Come True

Recalling his time in Nashville with Parton, Sixx stated, “You’ve seen the video where I’m in the studio with her. I’m like sitting there pinching myself, like this kid that came from Idaho on a Greyhound bus with a dream.” He described the surreal experience of directing Parton in the studio, revealing how he initially hesitated to ask her for additional takes. “The director goes, ‘Hey, would you just ask her to sing it one more time?’ I’m looking at the talkback button and I’m looking at Dolly… I go, ‘Are you fucking crazy? You want me to ask Dolly to do it one more time?’”

After some convincing, Sixx mustered the courage to ask Parton, who graciously agreed to sing the song multiple times, showcasing her dedication to perfection. “Her manager, Danny, looks at me and goes, ‘She will outwork everybody in this building. She’ll be the last person here and she won’t leave until it’s perfect,’” he shared.

Parton’s Insightful Interpretation

Sixx reminisced about how Parton’s response to the song’s lyrics deeply resonated with him. When discussing the themes of “Home Sweet Home,” she acknowledged that it reflected a journey of leaving home to pursue dreams, only to eventually find the importance of returning to one’s roots. “Dolly looked at me and said, ‘I really love these lyrics.’ … She goes, in her very sweet southern accent, ‘When you’re young, you want to get as far away from home as possible. You want to chase those dreams. You want to chase whatever you want to do. And then once you get there, it’s the journey getting back to your roots,’” he recounted.

This revelation struck a chord with Sixx, who admitted, “I was like, ‘No one’s ever explained my lyrics to me that clear.’ That just touched me on so many levels.” He reflected on the transformative nature of songwriting, emphasizing how a piece can evolve in meaning once it reaches the audience.

A Career Highlight

Sixx concluded that working with Parton not only reignited the essence of “Home Sweet Home” but also added a fresh perspective without compromising its original intent. “Everywhere around the world, we play this song and it’s an intimate moment… Then Dolly comes on and re-ignites the song in a way that doesn’t lose what it’s originally all about – yet also kind of updates it. [W]orking with her is just a career high,” he stated.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Nikki Sixx and Dolly Parton on “Home Sweet Home” stands as a testament to the power of music transcending genres and generations. Parton’s unique interpretation not only honors the original song but also brings a renewed meaning that resonates with listeners old and new.

FAQs

What inspired Dolly Parton to cover “Home Sweet Home”?

Dolly Parton decided to cover “Home Sweet Home” after being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and wanted to create something special for her album Rockstar.

How did Nikki Sixx feel about working with Dolly Parton?

Nikki Sixx described the experience as a career high, expressing amazement at Parton’s dedication and insightful interpretation of his lyrics.

What does “Home Sweet Home” signify?

The song speaks to the journey of pursuing dreams and the eventual return to one’s roots, a sentiment that Parton beautifully articulated during their collaboration.