Music of the Day : Dolly Parton - Jolene

Source

"Jolene" is a song by American country music artist and songwriter Dolly Parton, released on October 15, 1973. "Jolene" was written by Dolly Parton and produced by Bob Ferguson. It is featured on Dolly Parton's thirteenth solo studio album of the same name, released on February 4, 1974.

Dolly Parton - Jolene

Lyrics

[Guitar Intro]

[Chorus]
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm beggin' of you, please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can

[Verse 1]
Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

[Verse 2]
He talks about you in his sleep
And there's nothin' I can do to keep
From cryin' when he calls your name, Jolene
And I can easily understand
How you could easily take my man
But you don't know what he means to me, Jolene

[Chorus]
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you, please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can

[Verse 3]
You could have your choice of men
But I could never love again
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

[Chorus]
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you, please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him even though you can
Jolene, Jolene

Songwriters: Dolly Parton
Source

Dolly Parton is undoubtedly an artist who put her stamp on traditional country, and "Jolene" is one of the best country songs ever. Dolly Parton said she was inspired to write "Jolene" by a bank clerk who flirted with her husband Carl Dean the time they were newly married. She also said that the name of the song was based on the fan's name. In fact, "Jolene" is a clear expression of her insecurity about how fragile love is, and positioning herself in this way lyrically adds strength to the song. It is a very tender song but a powerful expression of the feelings of those who do not want to lose their lover.

On stage in 1988, Dolly Parton told the audience that "Jolene" was a true story and why she didn't like to sing the song very often.

Dolly Parton - Jolene

Additionally, "Jolene" has been covered by many artists, including Miley Cyrus, Beyoncé, Olivia Newton-John, and The White Stripes.

Miley Cyrus - The Backyard Sessions - Jolene

Beyoncé - Jolene

Pentatonix & Dolly Parton - Jolene

Among those who covered "Jolene" after Dolly Parton, I can say that I liked Miley Cyrus' performance the most, she really sings country music perfectly.

Enjoy the music and stay with Love