Jolene

Meaning of Jolene by Dolly Parton, and what it is about

Even though she had penned the popular song "Coat of Many Colours," Parton was best known as Porter Wagoner's TV partner when she sang "Jolene" in 1974.

The song "Jolene" demonstrated how she could add her own flair to classic country music.

The child autograph seeker who served as the inspiration for the song's Jolene is quoted as saying, "I said, 'Well, you're the loveliest little thing I ever saw. So, what is your name? And she said, "Jolene." After having too many encounters with a flirtatious bank teller, Parton came up with the words for the song: 'She developed this horrible crush on my husband. She gave him so much attention, so he simply liked going to the bank. It resembled a continuous joke between us'.

The narrator of the song confronts Jolene, a breathtakingly gorgeous woman she fears may snatch her lover/husband away. The narrator begs Jolene repeatedly during the song, "Please don't take him just because you can." There is some ambiguity in the song on whether Jolene plans to steal the narrator's sweetheart. In 1988, Parton explained to the crowd that "Jolene" was based on a genuine story, which is why she preferred not to perform it much.

Jolene lyrics by Dolly Parton

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