Beyoncé's 'Jolene' Lyrics vs. Dolly Parton's Original: What's New & What's the Same?

While Beyoncé fans learned on Wednesday when the Cowboy Carter The tracklist revealed that there would be a song called “Jolene” on the album, the final product is not exactly a Dolly Parton cover.

In fact, Bey keeps the simple string production almost identical to Parton's 1973 original on her new “Jolene,” but has updated nearly all of the lyrics to tell a brand new story of the infamous other woman. We discover the lyrical changes almost immediately, when Beyoncé sings the second line, “I'm warning you, don't come for my man,” in place of Parton's “I'm beggin' of you, please don't take my man” .”

The biggest musical change comes in Beyoncé's new bridge, which has a melody not used in Dolly's song and features a chorus of voices backing Queen B. The bridge changes from the song's minor key to an upbeat major as Beyoncé he confidently sings, “I sleep well happy, for you cannot dig up our planted seeds.”

Below, find the new lyrics to Beyoncé's “Jolene,” as well as her lyric video and Parton's original “Jolene” lyrics.

BEYONCÉ'S NEW 'JOLENE LYRICS'

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I warn you, don't come for my husband
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Don't take the opportunity because you think you can

You are beautiful beyond all comparison
It needs more than beauty and seductive looks
To come between a family and a happy man
Jolene, I'm a woman too
The games you play are nothing new
So you don't want heat with me, Jolin
We have been deeply in love for 20 years
I raised this man, I raised his children
I know my man better than he knows himself (what)
I can easily understand why you are attracted to my husband
But you don't want that smoke, so shoot your shot with somebody else (you heard me)

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I warn you, woman, find your own man
Jolene, I know I'm a queen, Jolene
I'm still a creole banjee bitch from Louisiana (don't try me)

There are a thousand girls in every room
This is acting as desperate as you are
You're a bird, go ahead and sing your tune, Jolene (what)
I needed to have this conversation with you
Because I hate making a fool of myself
Your peace of mind depends on how you move, Jolin

I and my man crossed these valleys
High and low and everything in between
You rolled like falling weeds
I sleep well happy, because you cannot dig up our planted seeds
I know my husband will stand beside me breathing my gentle breeze

I crossed these valleys
High and low and everything in between
Good deeds roll like falling weeds
Good and happy, because you can't unearth them planted seeds
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I stand by her, she will stand by me, Jolene

I stand by him, he will stand by me
I stand by her, she will stand by me
I stand by him, he will stand by me, Jolin

THE ORIGINAL “JOLENE” LYRICS BY DOLLY PARTON

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take my husband
(Jolene)
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can

Your beauty is unmatched
With flaming bricks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and emerald green eyes
(Jolene)
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
And I can't compete with you, Jolene (Jolene)

He talks about you in his sleep
And I can't do anything not to cry
When she calls your name, Jolene (Jolene)
And I can easily understand
How could you easily take my man
But you don't know what it means to me, Jolene (don't take him)

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take my husband
Oh, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Oh please don't take him just because you can (don't take him)

You could have your pick of men
But I could never love again
He's the one for me, Jolene (He's the one)
I needed to have this conversation with you
My happiness depends on you
Whatever you decide to do, Jolin

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take my husband
(Don't take him, don't take him, don't take him)
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can (just because you can)
Jolene, Jolene (please don't take him, please don't take him, Jolene)
Jolene

Jolene

He is the only one for me
Jolene
Jolene, Jolene
Jolene
Please don't take him just because you can

Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Author: Dolly Parton