10 Awesome Renditions of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”
Photo by Getty Images' Rick Diamond
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is a perfectly digestible ode to jealousy. The somewhat sinister melody was inspired by a real-life encounter with a little red-headed child named Jolene, as she recounted to NPR Music a few years back. Lyrically, it’s a simple song, but sometimes the simplest lyrics hit hardest. Parton’s plea is now legendary: “Please don’t take him just because you can.” It registers with the basest of bitterness we’ve all felt. Ultimately, it’s the lowest rung on the ladder of romantic power play: to be humbled before “the next best thing.” Appealing to this universal fear with repetitive pleas and a brilliant hook made the track a hit-earning legend.
A karaoke favorite and one of Parton’s signature hits, “Jolene” is also her most covered song. Novices and stars alike have contributed takes on the track. Melodically, the song lends itself easily to interpretation. It’s fun to sing and hard to mess up if you have a good voice. Here are 10 of the best, or at least most interesting, covers of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene.”
1. Grace Potter & The Nocturnals
Grace Potter’s slowed down, dynamic rendition is nothing if not chill-inducing. The rapt audience response, inducing a haunting sing-along, speaks to how intense this must have been to witness live. Bonus points for the Nocturnals’ beautiful jam and acoustic breakdown.
2. Miley Cyrus
The “Miley Cyrus is actually talented” meter went off when this video hit the blogosphere. She put a memorable stamp on the song with resonant vocal flourishes. When she sings those iconic, wailed “Jolene’s” at the end in a raspy octave lower than Dolly the effect is nothing if not witchy. Dolly Parton also happens to be Miley’s godmother, and the two performed the song together in 2010.
3. Patti Smith
This paired down version of “Jolene” was performed at Cellar Door in Washington D.C. in 1976. Left unfinished, Smith admitted, “we don’t know this song” with total nonchalance. Her cool kid delivery lends a certain eeriness to the song. The lack of sentimentality also makes this version rare among typically belted-out covers.
4. Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson takes the song as a request and admits to loving it, which is fitting given her emotive vocals. Pared down, Clarkson stretches her American Idol-winning vocal chords over piano accompaniment. Clarkson’s interpretation is equal parts soulful and minimal; Dolly would be proud.
5. Alison Krauss
A flash to Dolly in the audience is fitting for this rendition, performed by the legendary Alison Krauss during the Dolly Parton segment of the Kennedy Center Honors at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The music is complimented by a twangy fiddle and Krauss’ angelic voice. Dolly is shown smiling appreciatively as Krauss, Suzanne Cox and Cheryl White deliver haunting harmonies together.