Beyoncé’s rendition of “Jolene” takes the classic song in a new direction, infusing it with her signature fiery style. Instead of pleading with Jolene not to take her man, Beyoncé sends a clear warning: “I can easily understand why you’re attracted to my man / But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot for someone else.” She further emphasizes her stance by stating, “I had to have this talk with you ’cause I hate to have to act the fool / Your peace depends on how you move, Jolene.”
This fresh take on “Jolene” is just one highlight from Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter.” Another standout is her duet with Tanner Adell on a soulful rendition of the Beatles’ “Blackbird,” titled “Blackbird.” Throughout the album, Beyoncé seamlessly weaves in various musical influences, including nods to the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walkin’,” and reportedly Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” on the track “II Most Wanted,” a duet with Miley Cyrus.
The release of “Cowboy Carter” comes shortly after Beyoncé’s surprise drop of dual singles “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” during the Super Bowl. In an Instagram post, she revealed that the inspiration behind “Cowboy Carter” stemmed from an experience where she felt unwelcome, likely referring to the controversy surrounding her performance with the Dixie Chicks (as they were then known) at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.
LYRICS:
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man (Jolene)
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Don’t take the chance because you think you can
You’re beautiful, beyond compare
Takes more than beauty and seductive stares
To come between a family and a happy man
Jolene, I’m a woman too
Thе games you play are nothing new
So you don’t want no hеat with me, Jolene
We’ve been deep in love for twenty years
I raised that man, I raised his kids
I know my man better than he knows himself (Yeah, what?)
I can easily understand
Why you’re attracted to my man
But you don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot with someone else (You heard me)
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m warnin’ you, woman, find you your own man
Jolene, I know I’m a queen, Jolene
I’m still a Creole banjee bitch from Louisianne (Don’t try me)
There’s a thousand girls in every room
That act as desperate as you do
You a bird, go on and sing your tune, Jolene (What?)
I had to have this talk with you
‘Cause I hate to have to act the fool
Your peace depends on how you move, Jolene
[Bridge: Beyoncé, Beyoncé & Choir, Choir]
Me and my man crossed those valleys
Highs and lows and everything between
Good deeds roll in like tumblin’ weeds
I sleep good, happy
‘Cause you can’t dig up our planted seeds
I know my man’s gon’ stand by me, breathin’ in my gentle breeze (Ah)
I crossed those valleys
Highs and lows and everything between
Good deeds roll in like tumblin’ weeds
Good and happy
‘Cause you can’t dig up them planted seeds
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’ma stand by her, she will stand by me, Jolene
