When Someone Wants to Leave
Dolly Parton · Jolene
And you want to keep them with you, but you know they want to go
What do you do, what do you say
When you know they want to leave
As bad as you want them to stay
And there's nothing quite as sad as a one-sided love
When one doesn't care at all and the other cares too much
It's a sad situation, I must say
When you know they want to leave
As bad as you want them to stay
You know how much I love you
But I know you don't love me
And I know it's just a matter of time before you leave
But I do, I stand aside and just let you walk away
But I know you want to leave
As bad as I want you to stay
And there's nothing quite as sad as a one-sided love
When one doesn't love at all and the other loves too much
It's a sad situation I must say
When someone wants to leave as bad as you want them to stay
Oh, it's a sad situation I must say
When someone wants to leave as bad as you want them to stay
When Someone Wants to Leave
Dolly Parton's 'When Someone Wants to Leave' stands as a poignant song within her extensive country catalog, appearing on the 1974 album Jolene. The track captures the artist's signature ability to articulate the fragility of relationships through a lens of emotional honesty. While often overshadowed by the title track's fame, this recording showcases Parton's nuanced vocal delivery and her knack for storytelling that resonates with universal experiences of heartbreak. The song reflects the mature songwriting style she developed during this prolific era, blending traditional country instrumentation with lyrical depth. It remains a testament to her enduring influence on the genre, offering listeners a glimpse into the intimate moments that define her celebrated body of work.