Released in 1973, 'Jolene' is one of Dolly Parton's most famous songs and has become a country music classic. The song tells the poignant story of a woman pleading with another woman not to take her man. Parton's distinct voice and heartfelt delivery make it an emotional anthem for many. Its themes of love and insecurity resonate across cultures, making it relevant for English learners seeking to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
Lyrics
Jolene — Dolly Parton
English
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 nothin' I can do to keep
From cryin' 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
Grammar
What you learn from this song
Modals - Modais
Modals are auxiliary verbs that express possibility, necessity, or permission. In 'Jolene,' the singer uses modals to express hope and pleading, which adds emotional depth to the lyrics.
"I'm begging of you, please don't take my man" — The singer is using 'please' as a modal expression of a request.
"But you can easily take my man" — The modal 'can' indicates possibility in this context.
Simple Present - Presente Simples
The Simple Present tense is used to describe actions that are habitual or facts that are generally true. This tense is crucial for English learners as it helps them discuss daily activities and truths.
"He talks about you in his sleep" — This line demonstrates the habitual action that takes place regularly.
"Your smile is like a breath of spring" — A general fact is stated here, comparing her smile to something universally understood.
Fun facts
Did you know?
Dolly Parton wrote 'Jolene' after an encounter with a fan who was flirting with her husband, Carl Dean.
The song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1974, marking one of Parton's significant hits in her early career.
Over the years, 'Jolene' has been covered by numerous artists, including The White Stripes, Miley Cyrus, and Jack White, showcasing its lasting impact on popular music.
The song was also included in the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2017, due to its cultural and historical importance.
Jolene’s character has become a cultural reference, representing the archetype of an irresistible woman, and is frequently referenced in various television shows and movies.
For students
Why learn English with this song?
This song is great for learning English due to its clear pronunciation and emotional storytelling, which helps learners relate to the vocabulary. The repetition of key phrases makes it easy to remember and practice new words. Additionally, the mix of modals and simple present structures provides a balanced learning experience, making it suitable for intermediate students.
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