Jolene is a country song written and recorded by Dolly Parton. It was released in 1974 as the second single from her album of the same name. The song is a plea from a woman to another woman not to take her man. Parton’s plaintive vocals and the song’s simple, yet effective, melody have made it a classic of country music.
Background and composition
Parton wrote “Jolene” after a bank teller in Nashville, Tennessee, whom she believed was flirting with her husband, Carl Dean. Parton was struck by the woman’s beauty, and she was worried that her husband might be attracted to her. The song is a direct address to the woman, named Jolene, in which Parton pleads with her not to take her man.
The song is written in the key of G major and has a moderate tempo of 76 beats per minute. Parton’s vocals are accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar arrangement. The song’s lyrics are simple, yet effective, and they convey Parton’s fear of losing her husband to another woman.
Release and reception
“Jolene” was released as the second single from Parton’s album of the same name in 1974. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was also a commercial success in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Jolene” has been praised by critics for its simple, yet effective, melody and Parton’s plaintive vocals. The song has been covered by many artists, including The White Stripes, Miley Cyrus, and Olivia Newton-John. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including “Thelma and Louise” and “9 to 5.”
Legacy
“Jolene” is one of Dolly Parton’s signature songs. It is a classic of country music and has been covered by many artists. The song’s simple, yet effective, melody and Parton’s plaintive vocals have made it a timeless classic.
Accolades
- “Jolene” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female in 1975.
- The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014.
- It was ranked number 21 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Country Songs of All Time in 2014.
- “Jolene” was also voted the number one country song of all time by a panel of experts in a 2017 poll conducted by Billboard magazine.
Impact
“Jolene” has had a significant impact on popular culture. It is a well-known and beloved song that has been covered by many artists. The song’s simple, yet effective, melody and Parton’s plaintive vocals have made it a timeless classic.
“Jolene” is also a song that has resonated with many people. It is a song about love, loss, and jealousy. It is a song that speaks to the human heart.
Conclusion
“Jolene” is a classic country song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that is well-known and beloved by many people. The song’s simple, yet effective, melody and Parton’s plaintive vocals have made it a timeless classic. “Jolene” is a song that has had a significant impact on popular culture. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.
Tam Le