Jolene

Dolly Parton · Something Special

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
But 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

Jolene - Dolly Parton

Released on the 1973 album Something Special, "Jolene" stands as a cornerstone of Dolly Parton's career, blending country storytelling with a dramatic flair that defined the genre's evolution. The song's narrative, centered on a plea to a woman named Jolene to take her lover away, became an anthem for heartbreak and loyalty. Its distinctive arrangement, featuring a prominent guitar riff and a soaring vocal performance, captured the public imagination and transcended regional boundaries to become a global standard. The track exemplifies Parton's ability to craft memorable melodies that resonate deeply, influencing countless artists across country and pop music. Over the decades, it has been recorded by numerous performers, cementing its status as a timeless classic that continues to evoke strong emotional responses from audiences worldwide.