Beyoncé’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s iconic 1973 song “Jolene” on her Cowboy Carter album has garnered significant attention, particularly for its notable lyrical adjustments.
The acclaimed singer’s country-themed album, featuring 27 tracks, includes a revamped version of “Jolene” with altered lyrics. In the chorus, Beyoncé delivers a stern warning to the titular character, cautioning her not to pursue her man. The original plea from Dolly Parton’s song is transformed into a defiant message of protection: “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene/I’m warning you, don’t come for my man.”
Beyond the chorus, Beyoncé modifies lyrics in the verses, emphasising themes of beauty, resilience, and confidence. Where Dolly Parton’s lyrics acknowledge the allure of Jolene’s beauty, Beyoncé’s version emphasises the enduring strength of familial bonds and self-assurance: “You’re beautiful beyond compare/Takes more than beauty and seductive stares/To come between a family and a happy man.”
Additionally, Beyoncé injects a sense of empowerment into the song, asserting her identity and standing firm against potential threats: “Jolene I’m a woman too/The games you are playing are nothing new/So you don’t want no heat with me, Jolene.”
The cover concludes with a powerful bridge, featuring a choir, and Beyoncé briefly channels her man’s perspective, affirming their unwavering commitment: “I’ma stand by her/She gon’ stand by me/Jolene I’ma stand by him/He gon’ stand by me Jolene.”
Dolly Parton herself acknowledged the possibility of Beyoncé covering “Jolene” during an interview earlier this month, expressing her excitement and admiration for the talented singer. Parton’s wish for Beyoncé to cover the song dates back to 2022 when she expressed her desire for a powerhouse rendition akin to Whitney Houston’s interpretation of “I Will Always Love You.”
The collaboration between Beyoncé and Dolly Parton extends beyond the “Jolene” cover, with Parton making an appearance on Beyoncé’s album. In a brief interlude titled “Dolly P,” Parton playfully references Beyoncé’s “Becky” while praising her talent and uniqueness.
Social media erupted with enthusiasm upon the release of Cowboy Carter, praising Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene” and celebrating the album’s diverse collaborations. Fans appreciated Beyoncé’s reinterpretation of the classic song, noting its empowerment and emotional resonance.
Cowboy Carter, a culmination of over five years of work, features collaborations with notable artists such as Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson, and Post Malone, showcasing Beyoncé’s versatility and musical prowess. With its heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, the album promises to leave a lasting impact on country music enthusiasts and Beyoncé fans alike.
