About the song
“Jolene.” Released in 1973 as the lead single from her album of the same name, this track was an immediate and immense success, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and quickly becoming one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic and universally recognized compositions. It’s far more than just a popular song; it’s a masterclass in storytelling, a poignant exploration of insecurity, jealousy, and the desperate fight to hold onto love.
The lyrics of “Jolene,” penned solely by the brilliant Dolly Parton, are a direct and emotional appeal from a woman to another, begging her not to take her man. The narrator is consumed by fear and self-doubt, keenly aware of Jolene’s undeniable beauty and charm, which she believes could easily sway her husband. She details Jolene’s captivating features—her “flaming locks of auburn hair,” her “ivory skin,” and her “eyes of emerald green”—making it clear that she sees this woman as a formidable rival. The desperation is palpable, as she implores Jolene to understand the depth of her love and the potential destruction of her happiness. Phrases like “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene / I’m begging of you please don’t take my man” and “Your beauty is beyond compare / With flaming locks of auburn hair” perfectly capture this blend of vulnerability, admiration, and abject fear. The song speaks to the universal human experience of jealousy, the agonizing torment of potential loss, and the raw courage it takes to confront a perceived rival directly, laying bare one’s deepest insecurities. It’s about the terrifying realization that the most precious thing you have might be slipping away, and the desperate lengths you’d go to prevent it. It resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt threatened by another in a relationship.
Dolly Parton’s vocal performance on “Jolene” is utterly captivating and central to its enduring power. Her distinctive voice, with its unique blend of Appalachian purity, a hint of vulnerability, and an underlying steeliness, delivers the lyrics with a palpable sense of desperation and heart-wrenching sincerity. She doesn’t just sing the words; she embodies the narrator’s emotional turmoil, making the listener feel every nuance of her fear, her pain, and her fervent plea. The iconic, almost trembling quality of her voice on certain lines, particularly when she repeats Jolene’s name, adds an incredible layer of intimacy and raw emotion. There’s a perfect blend of a fragile tenderness and a powerful, almost gospel-like conviction in her phrasing, an emotional resonance that makes the song incredibly personal and universally profound. Parton’s brilliance lies in her unparalleled ability to infuse such a deeply emotional narrative with authentic feeling, connecting with audiences on a visceral and empathetic level through the sheer honesty and unvarnished power of her voice. It is a masterclass in conveying profound vulnerability and desperate appeal.
The musical arrangement of “Jolene” is characteristic of Dolly Parton’s early 1970s sound: rooted firmly in traditional country, yet with a timeless simplicity that allows the narrative to shine. It features a prominent, instantly recognizable acoustic guitar riff, with its cascading, almost hypnotic arpeggios that often feel like a nervous heartbeat underscoring the narrator’s anxiety. This simple but effective guitar line provides the song’s primary hook and its melancholic atmosphere. It’s usually complemented by a subtle, tasteful bassline and light, unobtrusive drums that maintain a steady, gentle rhythm. The instrumentation is kept minimal, creating an intimate atmosphere that feels deeply personal, almost as if Parton is confiding directly in the listener. There are no grand orchestral swells; the power comes from the directness and honesty of the voice and the haunting beauty of the melody. The production is clean, warm, and remarkably clear, ensuring that every instrumental nuance and, crucially, Dolly Parton’s incredible vocal are heard with pristine clarity, enhancing the song’s profound emotional impact and its undeniable authenticity. It’s an arrangement that feels both rustic and profoundly intimate.
“Jolene” resonated profoundly with audiences because its universal themes of jealousy, insecurity, and the fear of losing a loved one are deeply understood and intensely felt. It became one of Dolly Parton’s most iconic and beloved hits, a true signature song that cemented her legacy as a master songwriter and an unparalleled storyteller. It remains a timeless classic, a powerful and exhilarating reminder of that desperate, heartfelt plea: “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
