“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a powerful song about jealousy, insecurity, and the fear of losing the person you love. Released in 1973, it remains one of her most famous hits. And reading below is the official lyrics to the song.
Dolly Parton Jolene 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
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
Jolene Meaning Explained: The True Story Behind the Song
“Jolene” by Dolly Parton is a famous 1973 country song about jealousy, insecurity, and the deep fear of losing the person you love to someone else.
The story is based on a beautiful, red-haired young fan named Jolene and a real-life bank teller who flirted with Dolly’s husband right after they got married.
Instead of showing anger, the narrator begs her rival for mercy because she feels completely outmatched by Jolene’s physical perfection.
The lyrics describe Jolene’s stunning auburn hair, ivory skin, and emerald green eyes to show why the narrator feels so deeply insecure.
The narrator honestly admits that her husband talks about Jolene in his sleep and that she cannot compete with such flawless beauty.
By repeating the name “Jolene” 18 times like a desperate prayer, the song highlights the narrator’s complete lack of power.
She begs Jolene not to take her man just because she can, reminding her that Jolene can easily find another partner.
The song connects with listeners because it reveals a raw, universal fear of not being good enough for the person you love.
Ultimately, Jolene holds all the power in this love triangle even though she never speaks a single word in the track.
Read More: Country Music Legend, Dolly Parton Dies at 80
