Dolly Parton + Rob Halford Duet on Heavy New Song 'Bygones'

The worlds of country, rock and metal have once again collided as Dolly Parton has debuted "Bygones" off her new album Rockstar. On the rather metallic track, Parton duets with Judas Priest's Rob Halford and gets some added support from Motley Crue members Nikki Sixx and John 5, who play bass and guitar, respectively.

Also out is Parton's cover of Heart's "Magic Man," featuring Heart's own Ann Wilson and Howard Leese.

In early May, Parton announced her 30-track album and all its special guests, keeping her promise to release a rock-oriented record following her induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. When the country icon was nominated, the news caught her off guard and she even attempted to withdraw her name from consideration.

When it was revealed that she was among the new class of inductees, Parton told Billboard, "I feel great. I feel honored that all the people that voted for me did. And I appreciate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame people for staying there with me. I never meant to cause trouble or stir up any controversy. It was just always my belief — and I think millions of other people out there, too — always thought the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was just set up for the greatest people in the rock ‘n’ roll business, and I just didn’t feel like I really measured up to that and I don’t want to take anything away from the people that have worked so hard."

"Bygones" is a perfect fit for Halford and the eerie opening moments wouldn't feel out of place on a Judas Priest album.

Our Metal God and the Queen of Country sound fantastic together, trading lines over a dark, brooding verse that builds with energy before their two voices inevitably intertwine over a catchy, soaring chorus.

It's just a bit cheeky with some on-point rock/metal cliches in the arrangement, but, damn, it just works. Everyone plays the part and it's downright fun and irresistibly catchy, just the way rock should be.

Listen to "Bygones" further down the page, where you can hear the spot-on cover of Heart's "Magic Man" as well.

Rockstar will be released on Nov. 17 on Butterfly Records.

Dolly Parton, "Bygones" Lyrics

Can you forgive me
It’s true I’ve made mistakes but so have you
It’s just so unfair
The way you hurt me
Cuts so deep I don’t think I can heal
You just leave me bare
When you break a trust it’s painful
To find the one you loves no angel
When respect is gone the biggest part of love goes too
I’m sorry, so sorry
How long must you punish me
Why can’t we just move on
Let bygones, be bygones
But you never will
What’s the difference
If this time I’m the one that did the wrong
Should it matter
Makin’ reference to promises made and broken you just left
Left me cold as stone
When you break a trust it’s painful
To find the one you love’s no angel
When respect is gone the biggest part of love goes too
I’m sorry so sorry
How long must you punish me
Why can’t we just move on
Let bygones, be bygones
But you never will
I’m sorry so sorry
Full of regret
Forgive and forget
I’m sorry so sorry
You haven’t yet
But tell me
Where do we go from here
I’m sorry so sorry
How long must you punish me
Why can’t we just move on
Let bygones be bygones
By God I’m gone
I’m sorry, so sorry
Truly I am
How long must you punish me
Just put it down
Why can’t we just move on
Just turn it around
Let bygones, be bygones
But you never
You never
Could you ever
Could you ever
Would you ever
Would you ever
No you never will

Dolly Parton, "Bygones" ft. Rob Halford, Nikki Sixx + John 5

Dolly Parton, "Magic Man" (Heart cover ft. Ann Wilson)

Dolly Parton, Rockstar Album Art + Track Listing

Butterfly Records

1. “Rockstar" (with special guest Richie Sambora)
2. “World on Fire”
3. “Every Breath You Take" (feat. Sting)
4. “Open Arms" (feat. Steve Perry)
5. “Magic Man" (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Lee)
6. “Long As I Can See The Light" (feat. John Fogerty)
7. “Either Or" (feat. Kid Rock)
8. “I Want You Back" (feat. Steven Tyler & special guest Warren Haynes)
9. “What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You" (feat. Stevie Nicks & special guest Waddy Wachtel)
10. “Purple Rain”
11. “Baby, I Love Your Way" (feat. Peter Frampton)
12. “I Hate Myself For Loving You" (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)
13. “Night Moves" (feat. Chris Stapleton)
14. “Wrecking Ball" (feat. Miley Cyrus)
15. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)
16. “Keep On Loving You" (feat. Kevin Cronin)
17. “Heart Of Glass" (feat. Debbie Harry)
18. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me" (feat. Elton John)
19. “Tried To Rock And Roll Me" (feat. Melissa Etheridge)
20. “Stairway To Heaven" (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “Bygones" (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)
23. “My Blue Tears" (feat. Simon Le Bon)
24. “What’s Up?" (feat. Linda Perry)
25. “You’re No Good" (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)
26. “Heartbreaker" (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)
27. “Bittersweet" (feat. Michael McDonald)
28. “I Dreamed About Elvis" (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)
29. “Let It Be" (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)
30. “Free Bird" (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)