Beyoncé has breathed new life into the classic country hit “Jolene,” originally by Dolly Parton. The iconic song, though decades old, has found relevance among younger audiences thanks to artists like Beyoncé offering fresh interpretations.
In Beyoncé’s rendition, she infuses the song with her signature style, altering lyrics and tone. Rather than pleading with a rival, Beyoncé’s version sends a clear message: hands off her man. She warns, “You don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot for someone else.” This fiery take on “Jolene” has garnered attention and praise from fans and fellow musicians alike.
Parton herself acknowledged Beyoncé’s cover, sharing the album’s tracklist on Instagram and teasing fans to listen to the original while awaiting Beyoncé’s rendition. Beyoncé’s album, “Cowboy Carter,” not only features her take on “Jolene” but also includes other notable covers and interpolations from various artists.
The release of “Cowboy Carter” follows Beyoncé’s surprise drop of dual singles earlier in the year. The inspiration behind the album stemmed from an incident where Beyoncé felt unwelcome in the country music scene, likely referring to controversy surrounding a past performance with the Dixie Chicks. Despite any past hurdles, Beyoncé’s venture into country music continues to captivate audiences, bridging genres and showcasing her versatility as an artist.