rocks and stones

[Joanne M. Despres]

As a onetime English major, I tend to agree with James Smith
about the more mellifluous sound of "stones you throw"; I'd guess
Parton's word choice was motivated by the internal rhyme in that
phrase.  I'm sure the allusion to the proverb plays a part, though,
too, especially if the "message" of the proverb were consistent with
the overall theme of the song.

Joanne

Joanne M. Despres, Senior Editor
Merriam-Webster, Inc.
jdespres at merriam-webster.com
http://www.merriam-webster.com