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Dolly Parton — Jolene
Album: Jolene
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 773









Released: 1974
Length: 2:36
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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
Comments (37)add comment

I also recently heard an interview with Dolly where she said she wants to hear Beyonce' cover this song. I think that would be a LOT of fun. 
Let's hold the man accountable for his actions, shall we?
I love a little Dolly first thing in the morning
The only thing better than Jolene with Dolly is Jolene with Slow Dolly.
Dolly is a national treasure.  Remarkable woman who's had a remarkable career.
What a treat on an otherwise crappy Tuesday!! Dancing around and belting out the harmony...instant mood elevator :)
 argexpat wrote:
Dolly is a hottie, so I can only imagine what this Jolene's got that Dolly doesn't...hmm...
 
Maybe her man is not into her enhanced looks? As Dolly says: "It cost a lot of money to look this cheap"
Find the slowed-down version on YouTube.  Sounds like Atlanta Rhythm Section.  
Dolly! Yes!
Hey! I don't like country and western but this is quite likeable, dammit
I like dolly, but the subject matter of this song is just pathetic. a woman begging another woman to not take her man? HER happiness is dependent on this woman not stealing her man? ugh.
Everyone owes it to themselves to listen to the podcast Dolly Parton's America. It really gets into the nitty-gritty of her early life and career before the whole 9-5 business. Incredible songwriting, often with very dark themes that reflect the harsh reality for women (think murder ballads). Grapples head-on with the stereotyping she's faced (and yes, the boobs). She's such a gritty, smart and talented artist, and this story thankfully does her some justice. 
I coulda sworn we heard this song yesterday.  Just out of curiosity, is there a way to keep track of actual dates when songs are played on RP other than the generic "Plays (last 30 days: 1"?
 argexpat wrote:
 
 
read the first stanza
Dolly is a hottie, so I can only imagine what this Jolene's got that Dolly doesn't...hmm...
 ziggytrix wrote:


Yeah, she needs to quit blaming Jolene for the fact that her man is trash. 
 
It's a song about self esteem.
It’s a great song, but lately I prefer the slower version of this.
 freddyfender wrote:
Why does Dolly want to hang onto a dick that would leave her for Jolene anyway?
 

Yeah, she needs to quit blaming Jolene for the fact that her man is trash. 
 glassman wrote:
Worst song in the world!!!!
 

then you havent heard bad ones obviously
If you play this record backwards, he leaves Jolene and comes back to her.  -- Vernon Camp
Not liking folk talking trash about a great song's actual singer (although I'll admit to favoring Miley Cyrus' version above the gazillions of the covers and call it a day), but surely we can all get on the same page of liking how Mr. Bill said "e-clectic set" coming out of this song as if it was an é-clair.

Yum. Now want one of those.  

Worst song in the world!!!!
Not meaning to offend, but I always think her voice sounds like a cartoon character.
 mgoldman wrote:
I liked the slowed down version of this.  Here
 
Could not agree more. I actually prefer it over the original.
I liked the slowed down version of this.  Here
 Reckoner978 wrote:

Me too! Her cover really sounds alike! 

 
He even said that tonight's version was by Miley.

Dolly's God-daughter can sing when she's not trying to make a point.  I'm ok with either version (that said Dolly's is a bit more heartbreaking.)
 rpdevotee wrote:
I thought this was Miley Cyrus

 
Me too! Her cover really sounds alike! 
 wruffner wrote:
Mindy Smith's version of this is really powerful, I love it, and Dolly's there singing too. Can't get a better endorsement than that, I think.

 
Agreed, her version, which I think still features Dolly Parton on backup vocals, was my first exposure to this song, but nice to hear the original on RP
 rpdevotee wrote:
I thought this was Miley Cyrus

 
{#Think} {#Eh}
I thought this was Miley Cyrus
Mindy Smith's version of this is really powerful, I love it, and Dolly's there singing too. Can't get a better endorsement than that, I think.
{#Roflol}

Skydog wrote:

her album covers are better than Radiohead's {#Cheesygrin}

 


I love the Jolene's!  45 at 33 is my favorite.  This and Miley C. tie for 2nd.  Thanks for the Jolene's Bill!
A guilty pleasure maybe?
Why does Dolly want to hang onto a dick that would leave her for Jolene anyway?
 lizardking wrote:
Kudos to BillG for posting "new" tracks!

I gotta give Dolly an 8. Somehow the shape of the number 8 reminds me of her. ;-) 

 
her album covers are better than Radiohead's {#Cheesygrin}
Kudos to BillG for posting "new" tracks!

I gotta give Dolly an 8. Somehow the shape of the number 8 reminds me of her. ;-)