Sabrina Carpenter Dolly Parton

Why Sabrina Carpenter Changed the Lyrics to ‘Please Please Please’ for Dolly Parton

The blend of Sabrina’s sharp pop edge with Dolly’s timeless country charm created a unique pairing

Archivado en: Sabrina Carpenter  •  

Please Please Please by Sabrina Carpenter has been a breakout hit since its release. With lyrics that make you want to sing at the top of your lungs, asking that special someone not to hurt you, the song quickly became an anthem for Gen Z. After its huge success, Sabrina teamed up with legendary country icon Dolly Parton for a special version that no one saw coming.

The collaboration surprised many—not only because of the generational gap between the two artists, but also because their musical styles are a bit different. Still, the blend of Sabrina’s sharp pop edge with Dolly’s timeless country charm created a unique and memorable pairing.

Fans were quick to notice some changes in the lyrics—and many started asking why. The answer lies with Dolly herself, who brought a few ground rules to the table for the collaboration. These weren’t just about personal preference—they reflected her values and the respectful dynamic between the two artists.

Parton, known for her kind spirit and strong sense of principle, made it clear from the start: there were certain lines she wouldn’t cross. The result is a version of the song that keeps its emotional weight while honoring the integrity of both artists.

Sabrina Carpenter and Dolly Parton’s ‘Commandments’

In an interview with Billboard, Dolly Parton shared the guidelines she gave Sabrina Carpenter before working together: “I don’t cuss. I don’t make fun of Jesus. I don’t talk bad about God, and I don’t say dirty words on camera, but known to if I get mad enough.” These simple but firm rules reflect Dolly’s personal values and led to a noticeable change in the original lyrics of the song, giving it a cleaner and more respectful tone.

In the original version of Please Please Please, one of the lines said: “I beg you, don’t embarrass me, m***. But for the version with the country music legend, it was changed to: “I beg you, don’t embarrass me like the others.”

So, what do you think? Were you surprised by Dolly’s rules—or did the lyric change make perfect sense to you?