The Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Islands In The Stream duet was released in August 1983...watch their live performance and see the song details here.
The Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Islands In The Stream duet was released in August 1983 as the first single from Rogers’s album “Eyes That See in the Dark”. The song was named after the Ernest Hemingway novel and was originally written for Diana Ross in an R&B style. This classic song was later changed for the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton duet version.
The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States, giving both Rogers and Parton their second pop number-one hit. Kenny’s “Lady” song topped the pop chart in 1980 and Parton’s “9 to 5” topped the pop chart in 1981. This song also reached #1 on the Country Music chart in 1984.
In 2005 CMT crowned “Islands In The Stream” the Number 1 duet of all time. During the live concert, the iconic pairing of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers took the stage together for the first time in 15 years. Watch their live performance and see the written lyrics below.
The song is an upbeat, mid-tempo track with a distinct pop-country sound. The lyrics describe a deep and abiding love between two people who have been through many trials and tribulations, but remain steadfast in their commitment to each other. The title “Islands in the Stream” refers to the couple’s relationship being a constant and stable presence, like islands in the midst of a flowing stream.
This iconic song was written by the Bee Gees.
Baby, when I met you there was peace unknown
I set out to get you with a fine tooth comb
I was soft inside
There was something going on
You do something to me that I can’t explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain
Every beat of my heart
We got something going on
Tender love is blind
It requires a dedication
All this love we feel needs no conversation
We ride it together, ah ha
Making love with each other, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
I can’t live without you if the love was gone
Everything is nothing if you got no one
And you did walk in the night
Slowly losing sight of the real thing
But that won’t happen to us and we got no doubt
Too deep in love and we got no way out
And the message is clear
This could be the year for the real thing
No more will you cry
Baby, I will hurt you never
We start and end as one
In love forever
We can ride it together, ah ha
Making love with each other, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
Sail away
Oh, come sail away with me
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
How can we be wrong?
Sail away with me
To another world
And we rely on each other, ah ha
From one lover to another, ah ha
Islands in the stream
That is what we are
No one in between
The song is notable for its strong vocal performances by both Parton and Rogers, as well as its catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation. “Islands in the Stream” has become one of the most beloved and enduring duets in country music history, and continues to be a popular choice for weddings, parties, and other events.Remember to “share” the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers Islands In The Stream live performance video with other Country Music fans.