Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
The speaker is calling out the name of the person she is pleading with throughout the song.

I'm begging of you please don't take my man
The speaker is desperately asking Jolene not to take her romantic partner away from her.

Please don't take him just because you can
The speaker is warning Jolene that just because she is able to take the man away does not mean she should.

Your beauty is beyond compare
The speaker acknowledges Jolene's physical appearance as being exceptional.

With flaming locks of auburn hair
The speaker describes Jolene's hair as being a striking shade of red.

With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
The speaker describes Jolene's complexion as being very light and her eyes as green.

Your smile is like a breath of spring
The speaker compliments Jolene's smile as being refreshing and uplifting.

Your voice is soft like summer rain
The speaker acknowledges Jolene's voice as being delicate and calming.

And I cannot compete with you
The speaker recognizes that she is unable to match Jolene's physical attributes, and therefore cannot compare or compete with her.

He talks about you in his sleep
The speaker reveals that her romantic partner often mentions Jolene even when he is unconscious and dreaming.

And there's nothing I can do to keep from crying when he calls your name
The speaker is overcome with emotion and tears up whenever she hears her partner say Jolene's name.

And I can easily understand how you could easily take my man
The speaker acknowledges that Jolene is desirable and could easily attract her romantic partner away from her.

But you don't know what he means to me
The speaker attempts to convey the intense emotional attachment she feels towards her partner, one which Jolene cannot understand.

You could have your choice of men
The speaker recognizes that Jolene has many options for romantic partners, due to her beauty.

But I could never love again
The speaker reveals that if she were to lose her current romantic partner, she feels incapable of loving anyone else in the same way.

He's the only one for me
The speaker asserts that her current romantic partner is the only love interest she has any desire for.

I had to have this talk with you
The speaker acknowledges the necessity of the conversation she is having with Jolene, despite it being difficult and emotional.

My happiness depends on you
The speaker reveals that her ultimate emotional state is dependent on Jolene's decisions and actions.

And whatever you decide to do
The speaker acknowledges that Jolene has a choice in the matter and may ultimately make a decision which negatively affects her.

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
The speaker repeats the name of the person she is pleading with, emphasizing the importance of the situation.

Please don't take him even though you can
The speaker repeats her request, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter.