The five best covers of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’
For whatever reason, Dolly Parton‘s anguish-fuelled ‘Jolene’ is just as resonant today as it was in 1973. For five decades, music lovers have been captivated by the song’s quintessential country appeal and aura of mystery, not to mention Parton’s iconic, heartfelt delivery. Although simple, the song encompasses a sense of intimacy yet an openness that ensures it remains as relevant today as it did back then.
Parton has never been all that enigmatic about the song’s source of inspiration. In fact, she has discussed its meaning on several occasions and how she once felt threatened by another woman while she was with her husband. “She got this terrible crush on my husband, and he just loved going to the bank because she paid him so much attention,” she recalled. “It was kinda like a running joke between us.”
Though harmless, the song taps into something many resonate with: insecurity and jealousy while in a relationship and the plea for another person not to ruin a good thing. Moreover, Parton’s decision to write a song about it demonstrated that it clearly bothered her, but what’s most endearing about the song is her natural ability to infuse it with such an overt vulnerability.
Many musicians have tried to cover the classic and emulate this delicacy without fail, but so few manage to master the appeal of the original. While that’s not always the main goal when musicians put their own spin on a cherished classic, the power lies in striking a balance between staying true to the original essence and keeping it fresh enough to attract new listeners.
The five best covers of ‘Jolene’:
5. Patti Smith
Part of what makes Parton’s original track so timeless is the emotion you feel exuding from her tone, making it inherently intimate and delicate while the melody itself feels fun and inviting. “Please don’t take him just because you can,” Parton sings, reflecting the frustrating nature of someone slipping through your fingers, even if the crux of the betrayal is mainly psychological. Of course, anything Patti Smith takes on will always come across as her own, but her spin on Parton’s classic proves her unwavering position as one of the most punk figures ever.
Interestingly, Smith sings the song with little to no sentimentality throughout, delivering a detachedness that would otherwise make the song sound entirely boring. In this case, however, it feels even more haunting, allowing more space for the listener to decide whether Smith’s emotional resignation demonstrates her indifference or speaks more of a broken soul.
4. Sisters of Mercy
It’s easy to imagine a Sisters of Mercy spin on Parton’s Jolene before you even hit play. Their dark, brooding sound could either enhance the song’s sweet catchiness or weigh it down—but when you actually listen, their version brings a heavy, menacing edge that turns the whole “don’t take my man” plea into something more like a threat than a manifestation of paranoia.
In a way, this also exudes a certain comical edge, almost like the band had fun taking a delicate country classic and turning it into a fearless force. However, it also gives it a mysterious quality, where the only certainty is that Parton’s note of romantic insecurity has now been displaced with something a hell of a lot more foreboding.
3. Miley Cyrus
Regardless of whatever anybody else says, no one is more qualified to take on classic Parton songs than Miley Cyrus. Personal connections alone, Cyrus emerged from the country rock scene while witnessing the genre’s tradition from traditional roots to modern interpretations. She understands the contexts of what makes a country song and also has the voice of a thousand lives lived—the perfect criteria for taking on a song as layered as ‘Jolene’.
Cyrus has repeatedly proved that she is the queen of cover songs, but as far as reimaginings go, her version of ‘Jolene’ is probably as close to the original as you can get. Of course, having her voice in place of Parton’s gives it a natural contemporary edge, but the prominence of her vocals against the broader arrangements makes it feel just as intimate—if not more—than Parton’s raw desperation.
2. Laura Marling & Mumford & Sons
Although delicate and haunting in a slightly different manner to the Stripes’ execution, Laura Marling struck gold when she interpreted the track with Mumford & Sons in 2009. Joining the country folk assemble on stage in a barn, the fitting stage for an intimate performance, Marling did what many others are too afraid of—reimagined ‘Jolene’ exactly as it was intended, loyal to the original with an endearing infusion of romantic interplay.
Although Parton sings the original alone, Marling’s voice is beautifully complemented by Marcus Mumford’s, adding a layer of richness through their harmony. This also brings the song’s inherent vulnerability to the fore, allowing the emotional depth of the lyrics to shine even more brightly. Part of what makes ‘Jolene’ so intriguing is that you never really know the other side of the story, but this version almost answers those questions without changing anything about the actual lyrics.
1. The White Stripes
Although great in their unique ways, it’s easy to understand why many can’t resonate with Sisters of Mercy or Smith’s rendition of ‘Jolene’. Most people want it to be as close to the original version as possible, with only subtle embellishments that add to the cover artist’s unique flair. For this reason, it’s also easy to see why The White Stripes‘ cover has become one of the most popular, mainly because they managed to preserve Parton’s intensity while giving it a completely new character.
The Stripes’ version of ‘Jolene’ appears slightly slower than the original version, giving it a more rock ballad feel. At the same time, Jack White’s vocals remain loyal to Parton’s, giving it a steady yet intense feel that enhances the overarching sense of longing and desperation. ‘Jolene’ is undeniably one of the most daring covers a musician can take on, but this version, with its newfound rawness and rock-infused headiness, is near perfect.
