I listened to Beyonce’s version of “Jolene”. While I liked it better than the original, I couldn’t figure out what it is that bothered me about it. I’ve secretly judged Dolly Parton for the song. Born in 1979, I barely made the cut to call myself Gen X, so I’m young enough to accept throughout history women believed themselves to be powerless, and old enough to realize how little collective power women had. It’s because of songs like this.
Social media feminists like to blame everything on the patriarchy. Is patriarchy a problem? Yes, but it has very little to do with why I have spent a lifetime secretly judging Dolly Parton, whom I believe to be an actual living angel gifted to us by the one who answers your prayers. Now I’m judging Beyonce, words that are unfathomable to be spoken about a woman with an insane amount of talent and brilliance. The two women who have the loudest voices are training the next generation in how to villainize women when men have wandering eyes.
Second generation feminist
I’m a second generation feminist born in an income bracket that didn’t care about pronouns. Men and women have always worked in my world. I may have been too young and naive to understand sexism on a societal scale, but the only thing to do in poverty is to survive. At best my views on life are unorthodox because poverty is a powerful equalizer.
To me, there is no difference between Dolly’s version or Beyonce’s. Both women in the song feel in competition with Jolene for the man who presumably made a commitment to them. The only difference between the two is how they respond to the threat in their relationship. Jolene, the potentially man stealing woman, sees two very different reactions. Dolly gets down on her knees and begs her to leave the pathetic excuse of a man alone. Beyonce refuses to kneel but demands Jolene find her own man. Why are these passionate women fighting over a man who, based on my perception of the song, doesn’t value the commitments agreed upon with either woman.
Commerce and voice
What would it take for women to have had enough competition? The only real power we, as humans have, is with our commerce and our voice. We buy what is cheap and easy instead of supporting the local businesses that would build more opportunities for ourselves. We let the shiny people on screens dictate what we wear, how we think, what we value and what is worth fighting for. It just never seems to be ourselves.
Ultimately it doesn’t matter which version is preferred by opinionated content creators, both deliver the same message that will resonate with their fan base, as intended. It’s just unfortunate that in 2024, we’re still promoting how little accountability men have when they decide to cheat. Firm in my hypocrisy, I’ll still sing along to both songs and support both artists, despite their questionable lines in the sand. I’d much rather hear a song about the woman singing showing the potentially unfaithful man the door.
Read more of my thoughts and things
“Dolly, He’s Not Worth It” (Jolene’s Rebuttal)
(To the tune of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton)
[Verse 1]
Oh Dolly, won’t you understand,
It’s not my fault, don’t take his hand.
If he’s so quick to stray, why hold him near?
I see the pain behind your plea,
But girl, the truth will set you free—
You’re worth so much more than all your tears.
[Chorus]
Dolly, he’s no good for you, Dolly.
He doesn’t value what you do, Dolly.
You deserve a love that’s true, Dolly.
Oh Dolly, let him go.
[Verse 2]
I know he says the words you crave,
But it’s not love if you’re not safe—
In his arms without fear of betrayal.
You think I’m here to steal your man,
But I just think you need a plan,
To leave the one who made your trust so frail.
[Chorus]
Dolly, he’s no good for you, Dolly.
He doesn’t value what you do, Dolly.
You deserve a love that’s true, Dolly.
Oh Dolly, let him go.
[Bridge]
Don’t fight for love that leaves you low,
When you’re the star, don’t let him show
You’re anything but radiant and strong.
Don’t blame the women he pursues,
The problem’s him—you’ll only lose
By holding on to someone so wrong.
[Chorus]
Dolly, he’s no good for you, Dolly.
He doesn’t value what you do, Dolly.
You deserve a love that’s true, Dolly.
Oh Dolly, let him go.
[Outro]
So here I stand, no need to fight,
But girl, don’t dim your shining light—
For someone who can’t see you’re gold.
It’s time you find a heart that’s pure,
One that’s steadfast, kind, and sure.
Oh Dolly, let him go.
