Depending on the source, Parish was born either in Shreveport, Louisiana or in Lithuania. By the late 1920s he was a well regarded Tin Pan Alley lyricist in New York City.
His best known works include the songs "Stardust", "Sweet Loraine", "Deep Purple", "Stars Fell on Alabama", "Sophisticated Lady".
He died in Manhattan at the age of 92.
In 1987 a review entitled "Stardust" was staged on Broadway featuring Mitchell Parish's lyrics; it ran for 101 performances and was revived for further performances in 1999.