About the song
Few songs in American music history have endured as gracefully—and as hauntingly—as **“Jolene”** by **Dolly Parton**. Released in 1973, this deceptively simple composition has become one of **Parton’s** signature works, a piece that resonates across generations thanks to its raw emotional power and lyrical clarity. At just over two minutes long, **“Jolene”** is a masterclass in economy: not a single word or note is wasted. Yet within that brief span, **Parton** crafts a compelling narrative of love, fear, and female vulnerability that continues to captivate audiences over five decades later.
What sets **“Jolene”** apart is its deeply personal voice. Told from the perspective of a woman pleading with another not to steal her man, the lyrics avoid melodrama in favor of heartfelt honesty. There is no rage here, only a desperate, aching admiration: *“Your beauty is beyond compare / With flaming locks of auburn hair…”* The narrator speaks not just to **Jolene**, but almost to herself, reflecting on her own insecurities in the face of a perceived rival. It’s this emotional subtlety that gives the song its lasting impact. The name “**Jolene**,” so simple and melodious, becomes synonymous with the pain of romantic uncertainty.
Musically, the song’s driving, almost hypnotic guitar riff lays a tense foundation, matching the narrator’s sense of helpless anticipation. **Dolly Parton’s** voice—clear, plaintive, and unmistakable—carries the lyrics with a vulnerability that is disarming and real. There is no theatricality here, just a woman laying bare her heart.
**“Jolene”** also marked a moment of transition for **Parton**, solidifying her position not only as a country star but as a songwriter of depth and nuance. Its enduring popularity, with countless covers by artists across genres, is a testament to its universal theme: the fear of losing love and the quiet strength it takes to confront that fear head-on.
For older listeners especially, **“Jolene”** may evoke memories of past heartaches, moments of doubt, or times when the only choice was to hope someone would stay. It’s not just a song—it’s an emotional snapshot, rendered timeless by the grace and honesty of **Dolly Parton**. Would you like a follow-up on other songs from that era or her discography?
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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
