About the song
“Jolene,” performed by the legendary Dolly Parton, is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences since its release in 1973. This song, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, is a standout track from Parton’s album of the same name.
Dolly Parton, renowned for her prolific songwriting and distinctive voice, penned “Jolene” herself. The inspiration for the song came from a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, shortly after they were married. Another source of inspiration was a young fan named Jolene, whose name Parton found particularly melodic and memorable.
“Jolene” tells the story of a woman pleading with another to refrain from taking away her man. The song’s raw emotional appeal and relatable theme of jealousy and heartache have made it a staple in Parton’s repertoire and in the broader country music genre. Its simplicity, combined with the emotional depth of Parton’s delivery, strikes a chord with listeners of all ages.
Upon its release, “Jolene” achieved significant commercial success. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in February 1974 and crossed over to the pop charts, reflecting its wide appeal. Over the years, “Jolene” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further cementing its status as an enduring classic.
The song’s influence extends beyond its initial success. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is often cited as one of the greatest songs of all time by music critics. Dolly Parton’s heartfelt performance and the universal theme of “Jolene” ensure that it remains a beloved and relevant piece of musical history.
For many, “Jolene” is not just a song, but a story of vulnerability and the complexities of love, delivered by one of country music’s most iconic voices.
Video
Lyrics
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
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
He talks about you in his sleep
And there’s nothing I can do to keep
From crying 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
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
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
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