Tuesday’s Tune: Jolene

Ranked #219 on the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” Dolly Parton’s Jolene is a favourite.

Despite its upbeat rhythm Jolene could possibly have some of the saddest country lyrics. Telling the tale of a housewife confronting a voluptuous seductress who she believes is trying to steal away her husband and begging her “please don’t take my man,” “please don’t take him just because you can.”

Parton has said that the inspiration for the story was a tall, red-headed bank teller who she believed to be flirting with her husband, and her husband’s apparent vulnerability to the teller’s charm as indicated by his sudden interest in making frequent trips to the bank! In her live performances of the song, Dolly often states she fought this woman “tooth and nail” for her husband. The name “Jolene” came from a beautiful little red-headed girl with green eyes who sought Parton’s autograph at a concert one night.

Enjoy!