The Last Thing on My Mind – Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton

“The Last Thing on My Mind” by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton is a beautifully crafted country duet that showcases both the emotional depth of its lyrics and the chemistry between the two legendary artists. Originally written and recorded by Tom Paxton in the 1960s as a folk ballad, the song was later adapted into the country realm by Wagoner and Parton in 1967, marking one of their earliest and most memorable collaborations. Their version became a defining moment in their partnership, blending Wagoner’s steady baritone with Parton’s expressive, tender soprano to create a heartfelt harmony that captured audiences instantly.

Lyrically, the song is a poignant reflection on regret and love lost. The narrator speaks to a former lover, admitting that hurting them was never intended—“the last thing on my mind.” The simplicity of the words adds to the song’s emotional honesty. It conveys the bittersweet realization that sometimes love fades or mistakes are made not out of malice but out of human frailty. The line “Are you going away with no word of farewell?” carries a quiet ache that resonates deeply, expressing both confusion and sorrow over the breakdown of something once cherished.

Musically, Wagoner and Parton’s rendition maintains a traditional country arrangement, with gentle guitar picking, subtle steel guitar, and restrained percussion that keeps the focus on their vocal interplay. Their harmonies are intimate yet powerful—Parton’s soaring voice complementing Wagoner’s grounded tone, symbolizing the push and pull of heartbreak and understanding. This chemistry would go on to define their partnership for years, setting the stage for numerous hit duets that followed throughout the late 1960s and 1970s.

Beyond its immediate success, “The Last Thing on My Mind” remains one of the great examples of country duets built on emotional authenticity. It demonstrated how Wagoner and Parton could turn a simple song about parting into something deeply personal and universally relatable. Their performance captured the heartache of goodbye with grace and vulnerability, helping establish them as one of country music’s most beloved duo acts.