About the song
“Jolene” by the one and only Dolly Parton. Released in 1973 as the title track from her album, this song became an absolute phenomenon, quickly soaring to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and achieving international acclaim. It’s far more than just a hit; it’s a raw, vulnerable, and ultimately timeless masterpiece that perfectly encapsulates the pangs of insecurity and the desperate plea of a heart on the brink of losing everything.
The lyrics of “Jolene” are a masterclass in direct, emotional storytelling. The narrator, a woman consumed by fear and jealousy, directly addresses another woman, Jolene, whom she perceives as a threat to her relationship. She meticulously describes Jolene’s captivating beauty – “Your beauty is beyond compare / With flaming locks of auburn hair / With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green” – emphasizing the potent allure that makes her feel so insecure. The song’s power lies in its desperate plea, begging Jolene not to take her man, revealing the depth of her love and the sheer terror of losing him. Phrases like “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m begging of you please don’t take my man” are etched into the public consciousness, delivered with a naked vulnerability that makes the listener feel every ounce of her fear and desperation. It’s a profound exploration of insecurity, jealousy, and the agonizing pain of threatened love.
Dolly Parton’s vocal performance on “Jolene” is absolutely legendary. Her distinctive, high-pitched, yet incredibly expressive voice is perfectly suited to convey the song’s raw emotion. She sings with a trembling urgency, a pleading tone that builds with each repetition of Jolene’s name, escalating the emotional intensity. There’s a subtle crack in her voice, a raw vulnerability that makes the listener believe utterly in the sincerity of her plea. Parton doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies the character’s fear and desperation, making the listener feel her heart breaking with every syllable. It’s a performance that truly showcases her brilliance as both a vocalist and a storyteller, imbuing the simple narrative with immense emotional weight.
The musical arrangement of “Jolene” is deceptively simple, yet incredibly effective and haunting. It features a prominent acoustic guitar that provides the core rhythm, complemented by a distinctive, almost trembling electric guitar riff (often played with a tremolo effect) that creates a sense of unease and tension. The sparse bass and drums provide a solid, unwavering foundation, allowing Parton’s vocal to remain the central focus. The production is clean and uncluttered, ensuring that the raw emotion of the lyrics and the haunting melody are perfectly highlighted. It’s an arrangement that builds a palpable sense of anxiety and longing.
“Jolene” resonated deeply with audiences because its themes of insecurity, jealousy, and the desperate fear of loss are universally understood. It became an instant classic, not just for its infectious melody, but for its profound emotional honesty. It has been covered by countless artists across genres, a testament to its enduring power and versatility, yet Dolly Parton’s original remains the definitive version, forever immortalized by that unforgettable plea to Jolene.
Video
Lyrics
Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene
I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him just because you can
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
Ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
I cannot compete with you, Jolene
He talks about you in his sleep
There’s nothing I can do to keep
From crying when he calls your name, Jolene
Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene
I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him just because you can
Now you could have your choice of men
I could never love again
‘Cause he’s the only one for me, Jolene
I had to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, Jolene
Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene
Oh, I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene (Jolene), Jolene (Jolene), Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him even though you can
I can easily understand
How you could easily take my man
But you don’t know what he means to me, Jolene
Jolene
Jolene (Jolene)
Jolene
Jolene
