Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has released her interpretation of Dolly Parton’s popular Jolene on her new album Cowboy Carter – but the classic has been given a very controversial update.
Fans eager for a Bey-Dolly collaboration got their wish fulfilled, although with a twist.
While Beyoncé respects the essence of Jolene, she adds her own style, changing the desperate song into a strong warning to rivals competing for her man’s affection with some significant lyric modifications.
Fans are split on the superstar’s choice to alter a classic, with some embracing the changes while others see it as interfering with perfection.
X user @MaddyTheHoopa wrote: ‘Ruined one of my sweetest and vulnerable songs for me.’
@harleyskooky agreed, posting: ‘Loved the album but the Jolene lyric rewrites were roooough.’
Others loved the changes, arguing that Beyoncé’s version tells a new, more modern story.
X user @ChloeMac_ wrote: ‘Jolene is giving what it needs to give! Love that she wrote her own lyrics to it, one of the top songs for sure.’
User @OhMyGOFF agreed, posting: ‘After 51 years Dolly P & Bey finally put Jolene in her place! Lovin the new lyrics.’
Parton, who hinted at the possibility of Beyoncé covering Jolene previously, features prominently in the album.
The country icon not only introduces the trap-meets-country anthem Tyrant but also delivers her own interlude, playfully referencing Beyoncé’s Sorry and the infamous ‘Becky with the good hair’ lyric from Lemonade.
But it’s the reimagined Jolene that steals the spotlight. The revamped track features an optimistic major-key bridge where the original was in minor, complete with a soulful choir backing Queen B’s empowering vocals.
It’s immediately obvious that the lyrics to the country anthem have been reimagined as Beyoncé sings in the second line, ‘I’m warning you, don’t come for my man,’ instead of Parton’s ‘I’m beggin’ of you, please don’t take my man.’
You can read the two sets of lyrics in their entirety below:
Parton herself has given a nod to the cover, sharing teasers on social media and encouraging fans to indulge in the original while awaiting Beyoncé’s rendition.
The new album also includes other significant covers, such as a duet with Tanner Adell on the Beatles’ Blackbird and interpolations of classics like the Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations and Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots Are Made For Walkin’.
Beyoncé’s venture into country music with “Cowboy Carter” is a continuation of her groundbreaking career.
The album came out after her two singles, Texas Hold 'Em and 16 Carriages, were very successful and made her the first Black woman to reach the top of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
