Song of the Day – Day 12 – Jolene – Dolly Parton

Jolene is probably Dolly Parton’s most well-known song, in fact people who don’t even know who Dolly Parton is will probably know the song Jolene. It is an absolute classic. Dolly wrote the song herself and recorded and released it in 1973. The song was nominated for two Grammy awards in 1973 and 1974 but unfortunately it didn’t win either, but it did win 1 44 years later for a cover version.

The song did well on its original release hitting the top spot in the US and number 7 in the UK, as well as charting in 4 other countries.  It is certified Silver in the UK and Gold in Denmark. It has been covered 100s of times from the likes of Miley Cirrus, The White Stripes and Katy Perry. It is still a very well regarded song and is ranked as the 217^th best song every written in the Rolling stones magazines top 500 chart.

Here are the 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
And 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