Jolene
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes Lyrics


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[Originally by Dolly Parton]

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

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

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him even though you can





Let's go!

Overall Meaning

In Me First and the Gimme Gimmes's cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," the singer is begging Jolene not to take her man. She describes Jolene's beauty as beyond compare, with auburn hair, ivory skin, and emerald green eyes. Jolene's smile is likened to a breath of spring, and her voice is soft like summer rain. The singer acknowledges that she cannot compete with Jolene's beauty and begs her not to take her man, even though she has the power to do so.


The lyrics convey a sense of desperation, as the singer pleads with Jolene not to take her man due to her beauty and charm. The song's popularity may be attributed to its relatability, as many people have experienced the fear of losing a loved one to someone else. Me First and the Gimme Gimmes's cover adds a punk rock flair to the classic country hit, infusing it with energy and power.


Line by Line Meaning

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Repetition emphasizes the singer's desperation and fear of losing her man to Jolene.


I'm begging of you please don't take my man
The singer pleads with Jolene to spare her the pain of losing her partner.


Please don't take him just because you can
The singer acknowledges that Jolene has the power to take her man, but implores her to act compassionately.


Your beauty is beyond compare
The artist acknowledges Jolene's physical attractiveness.


With flaming locks of auburn hair
The artist describes Jolene's striking hair color.


With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
The singer compliments Jolene's complexion and eye color.


Your smile is like a breath of spring
The singer draws a comparison between Jolene's smile and the refreshing feeling of spring.


Your voice is soft like summer rain
The artist compares Jolene's voice to the soothing sound of rain during the summer.


And I cannot compete with you, Jolene
The artist acknowledges that she feels inferior to Jolene and cannot measure up to her beauty and charm.


Please don't take him even though you can
The artist reiterates her plea for Jolene to spare her the pain of losing her partner.


Let's go!
An exclamation that signals the start of the musical interlude.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Dolly Parton

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@thegreenteam001

My daughter and I used to listen to this every morning on the way to daycare. We'd both "Wooo!" with them. Good memories. Thanks fellas.

@mollyredds4654

Ty Jayy right on! I do this with my son on the way to preschool! 🤘🤘

@nathanbrodeur5856

that's adorable

@kynmob

Thanks to a link I just discovered this. Always loved the original. This proves a good song can stand up to any treatment and still emerge a good song. Love it! Thanks for recognizing Dolly's brilliance and taking it a step further!

@Vanitycraft

these covers.. these guys take a song in a different direction in a great way

@lindseybethea6979

IMO they are one of the top cover bands of all time.

@ashleyr9629

I love both versions ❤️❤️❤️

@SeanBlazze

Amazing, love that opening beat

@DennisJPWalsh

I have listened to dozens of versions of this song. This one well..... "really rocks". Nice.

@kellyalvarado2814

Cannot believe I have never heard of these guys before!! Even though I have had their version of Danny's Song as my hubby's ringtone for over a year! WTF??!!! I have been robbed of awesome music! Must make up for it!

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