Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/
I’m begging of you please don’t take my man.
“Jolene” is a fun Dolly Parton song about how a woman is afraid that her gorgeous friend Jolene might steal her man. Rather than be angry, she asks Jolene if she would please not steal her man. Her argument is: “Jolene, you can have any one you want, but he’s the only one I’ll ever love”.
The song is cheeky, but there is always a bit of truth in every joke, and I can imagine bringing your new boyfriend around a Jolene and being nervous. Notice Dolly doesn’t accuse Jolene of doing anything wrong. No. Jolene is just so good looking that she can take any guy she wants. So, she’s begging “please don’t take my man.”
I suppose this is a country song, but it crosses over and is a hit for the soft-rock folks as well. The theme is new, the melody is catchy and the guitar work is upbeat. Also, Dolly’s voice sounds really good here. This is the third song of Dolly’s in this list which makes her a rock n roll hall of fame candidate in my mind. Along with Islands in the Stream, Jolene, and I Will Always Love You, she would have my vote. No doubt.
Jolene Lyrics & Meaning
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
written by Dolly Parton