Dolly Parton and U2’s duet ‘Torn’ released as singer’s final recorded song

Detailed summary

The late country superstar recorded the song in Nashville, Tenn. in June this year, making it her final recorded vocal performance prior to her Aug. 25 death.

U2 released their first full-length album since 2017’s Songs of Experience and the last track on the project includes a duet with Dolly Parton that turned out to be her last recorded vocal performance.

The duet, titled Torn, is featured on the album Carnaval De Luz, and was co-written by U2, Parton and singer-songwriter Johnny McDaid.

Torn is described as a “tender country song detailing broken family ties that holds wider resonances,” according to Parton’s website.

The late country superstar recorded the song in Nashville, Tenn. in June this year, making it her final recorded vocal performance prior to Parton’s Aug. 25 death.

The song is produced by Jacknife Lee and also features Daniel Lanois playing pedal steel.

“I can’t deny this passion and desire / But I know it has to burn me / Standing this close to the fire / What am I supposed to do? / And how am I supposed to choose? / I love ‘em both and I just feel so torn,” Parton sings on the duet.

“Torn apart these loving hearts / That beat and break the same / We share a house divided / And the blood that fills our veins / Brothers turn to strangers / And sons deny their name / Somebody loses either way / And every heart is torn,” the duo sings together.

Parton’s Instagram page teased the track in a post on social media, with a written message to Bono, dated June 2.

“Hey Bono, Hope you like what I did. I did quite a few things. Take from it what you want and what you need, but I love the song, and I think it could be something really special. Thanks for including me in your life. I’ve always loved you and always will,” Parton wrote.

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