Jolene

Dolly Parton, Pentatonix

About Jolene

"Jolene" is a song written and performed by American country music artist Dolly Parton. It was released on October 15, 1973 as the first single and title track from her album of the same name, produced by Bob Ferguson. The song was ranked No. 217 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time" in 2004. According to Parton, "Jolene" is the song most recorded by other artists of all the songs she has written."Jolene" was nominated for two Grammy Awards for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (first for the original release and the following year for a live version); despite not winning originally, the song eventually earned Parton a Grammy Award for Best Country Duo/Group Performance 43 years after its original release, for a cover by the a capella group Pentatonix in which she was also featured.  


Year:
2017
2:11
3,498 
#5

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Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man

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

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

Well, 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 just because you can

Please don't take him even though you can

Please don't take him even though you can

 Struggling with Jolene? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


Dolly Parton

Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actress, author, and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. She has composed over 3,000 songs, the best known of which include "I Will Always Love You" (a two-time U.S. country chart-topper for Parton, as well as an international pop hit for Whitney Houston), "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colors", "9 to 5", and "My Tennessee Mountain Home". As an actress, she starred in the movies 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias, Gnomeo & Juliet, Straight Talk, Unlikely Angel, and Joyful Noise. She is one of the most successful female country artists of all time; with an estimated 175 million in album sales, Dolly Parton is also o… more »

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Written by: Dolly Parton

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Original Song Creation
"Jolene" was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973, becoming one of her most iconic songs.
Chart Performance
It was the title track from her album of the same name, reaching number one on the Billboard Country Singles chart.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with Parton's husband. Parton later said, "Jolene" is the song people ask me most to sing, it's about that woman who tried to steal my husband."
Multiple Covers
The song "Jolene" is one of the most covered songs in the history of country music, with versions by artists ranging from Olivia Newton-John to The White Stripes.
Collaboration with Pentatonix
In September 2016, Parton collaborated with A cappella group Pentatonix to create a reimagined version of "Jolene".
Grammy Award
The collaboration won a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
Tempo Variations
Parton's original version is paced a bit slower, creating a pleading, melancholic feel. The Pentatonix version offers a faster tempo, providing a more upbeat vibe.
Video Performance
The official video of the Parton-Pentatonix version has garnered over 49 million views on YouTube (as of October 2021), indicating the enduring popularity of the song.
Cross-Genre Appeal
Parton's "Jolene" has transcended the country music genre, making its way into pop, rock, and folk music covers, showcasing its universal appeal.
Legacy
Despite releasing many successful and iconic songs, "Jolene" remains one of Dolly Parton's most recognizable songs, and its continued relevance nearly five decades after its initial release only reiterates Parton’s enduring reputation in the music industry.

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    Jolene

    39.2M
    416.7K     8,441

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1974

    Billboard #60


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