Annie Walton Doyle
Everyone is saying the same thing after Beyoncé changed the lyrics to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ in her version of the song.
The ‘Crazy In Love’ singer, 43, shocked fans by announcing a country-influenced album during her cameo at Usher’s Super Bowl performance.
Following a fan frenzy of anticipation, Beyoncé finally released ‘Cowboy Carter’ on March 29.
The album features a few surprises, from a Miley Cyrus guest appearance to a Beatles cover. But there’s also an updated version of Parton’s classic track ‘Jolene,’ and it’s left the internet divided…
Beyoncé is one of the most idolized singers in the world, with a catalog of hit songs such as ‘Single Ladies,’ ‘Halo,’ and ‘If I Were A Boy.’
She dropped ‘Act I: Renaissance’ in July 2022, featuring popular tracks such as ‘Break My Soul’ and ‘Cuff It.’
It was critically acclaimed for its joyful vibe and Beyoncé’s vocals, creating excitement about what was next for the star.
Following the icon’s Super Bowl cameo, it appeared fans had some answers.
The first two singles from ‘Cowboy Carter’ were ‘Texas Hold ‘Em’ and ’16 Carriages,’ with both catapulting up the charts.
Yet it received more mixed reviews than ‘Renaissance’ and in particular, some fans took issue with Beyoncé’s ‘Jolene’ cover.
The cover, which includes an intro from Parton, was significantly changed lyrically.
In the original 1973 track, Parton is ‘begging’ a woman whose ‘beauty is beyond compare’ not to steal her ‘man.’
But with Beyoncé’s spin on the song, it becomes a ‘girl boss’ power anthem, as described by Forbes.
Before the song starts, Dolly sends an interlude message to ‘Miss Honey B.’ saying: “You know that hussy with the good hair you sing about? Reminded me of someone I knew back when, except she has flaming locks of auburn hair. Bless her heart.”
Part of Beyoncé’s revised lyrics say: “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, I’m warning you, don’t come for my man… Don’t take the chance because you think you can.”
Compared to Dolly’s original: “Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, I’m begging of you please don’t take my man … Please don’t take him just because you can.”
Some people have criticized this subtle tone alteration, believing it makes the song less meaningful.
One opines: “I was so excited about ‘Jolene’ – I love Beyoncé, I love that song – but I don’t know how I feel about this. I’m not sure that ‘Jolene’ works when you take the pain out of it. If you’re not threatened by her, why are you plaintively singing her name repeatedly?”
Another agrees: “Agree. What makes ‘Jolene’ so visceral is that it’s a love song to the other woman, seeing her through prisms of desire, desire for the way she’s desired. I get that Bey is reclaiming power, but the song is about powerlessness: even if Jolene doesn’t take him, Dolly still loses.”
While a third adds: “‘Jolene’ is about the pleading, the desperation, the borderline homoe**ticism of it. You take all of that out? You’re replacing begging with warning? You stop talking about how hot Jolene is to talk about your man, your man, your man?? Ugh. Booo booo tomatoes.”
Despite the critique, some are loving the change.
One fan pens: “I love Beyoncé’s version of ‘Jolene’ because she wasn’t begging her, she was WARNING her. That’s my girl!”
“Dolly Parton calling Becky with the good hair a hussie, leading into Beyoncé doing her version of ‘Jolene’ is my multiverse of madness,” another laughs.
And it seems to have the seal of approval from Parton herself, who writes: “Wow, I just heard ‘Jolene’. Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!”
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) March 29, 2024
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