Analysis: Unpacking Beyoncé’s Interpretation of ‘Jolene’
Delve into the complexities of Beyoncé's rendition of 'Jolene' and its connection to real-life narratives. Explore how Beyoncé's version intertwines with Dolly Parton's, as discussed by Holly Thomas.
Holly Thomas, a writer and editor based in London, currently serves as the morning editor at Katie Couric Media. You can find her on Twitter at @HolstaT. The views expressed in this commentary belong solely to the author. For more opinions, visit CNN's website.
Love songs are not about setting high goals or ideals. They are about being real and honest. We often learn this lesson the hard way. When we were young, we might have fantasized about having a love rival or being willing to do anything for our beloved. We might have thought it would be romantic to look disheveled after a night of heartbreak, our eyes reflecting our inner turmoil and depth. But let's be honest, that's not always the case.
Holly Thomas
Holly Thomas
My belief is that when we fall in love or go through heartbreak, the songs we used to enjoy suddenly become more meaningful and emotional. Adult relationships may seem exciting from a distance, but in reality, they are filled with challenges and require a lot of effort. Like many aspects of being an adult, they are not as easy as we once thought.
After listening to Beyoncé's reimagining of Dolly Parton's classic "Jolene" multiple times, I found myself embracing it. The song is the 10th track on her country-inspired album "Cowboy Carter," and it transforms the original narrative. Instead of pleading with Jolene not to take her man, Beyoncé confidently warns her not to try. She flips the script, asserting her power and challenging Jolene in a bold new way.
Opinions are split on Beyoncé's take on "Jolene." Rapper Azealia Banks criticized the new lyrics as "forced" on her Instagram, questioning the idea of anyone finding Jay-Z attractive as an "imaginary adversary." Some have pointed out specific lines, like "I raised that man/I raised his kids," sparking debate among listeners. One commenter even suggested that Jolene might not be the issue, but rather Beyoncé's relationship itself.
"Act ll: Cowboy Carter" by Beyonce.
"Act ll: Cowboy Carter" by Beyonce.
Parkwood/Columbia/Sony via AP
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I think so, right? Shouldn't grown men be accountable for their decisions? Some people think that Beyoncé might be representing her mother in the song, especially with the lyrics, “I’m still a Creole banjee b***h from Louisianne” (Beyoncé was born in Houston, but her mom Tina is from Louisiana). I personally find this idea reassuring.
Beyoncé's rendition of "Jolene" raises questions about its autobiographical elements, leaving room for interpretation. Dolly Parton introduces the cover on "Cowboy Carter" in a track titled "Dolly P.," playfully alluding to Beyoncé's "Becky with the good hair." This reference originated in Beyoncé's 2016 single "Sorry," sparking rumors of Jay-Z's infidelity (later confirmed on his 2017 album "4:44"). The song's lyrics, like "Today I regret the night I put that ring on," echo themes from Beyoncé's earlier hit "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)."
While Beyoncé's art fuels speculation, she remains tight-lipped about her personal life. The mystery surrounding "Becky" and "Sorry" adds layers to her storytelling. Despite her reluctance to divulge details, Beyoncé's storytelling captivates and invites interpretations. Her approach to music mirrors the theatricality of country music, even if she categorizes "Cowboy Carter" as a "Beyoncé" album rather than a country one. The richness of her narratives adds a touch of authenticity to the glamour.
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Beyoncé's song "Daughter" on the album "Cowboy Carter" explores the theme of adultery following the track "Jolene." In the lyrics, she describes a scene of betrayal and revenge, with lines like "Your body laid out on these filthy floors/Your bloodstains on my custom coutures." The song also touches on the idea of inherited traits, with Beyoncé singing, "If you cross me, I’m just like my father/I am colder than Titanic water." This hints at a deeper story of generational pain, adding complexity to the narrative beyond just a cheating husband. Personally, I find the idea of the mom theory more intriguing.
I believe it's a mistake to view Beyoncé's "Jolene" as a departure from Parton's version, regardless of whether it reflects real life. While it may be a different tone and frustrating to hear a woman confront a potential rival instead of a deceitful lover in today's world, isn't that the essence of classic songs - messy and irrational? Beyoncé's "Jolene" could be seen as the precursor to Dolly's "bargaining" version for someone going through post-cheating grief. The key as listeners is not to copy them or analyze every line, but to empathize with their emotions. Love songs are about being genuine, not about setting unrealistic standards.
Editor's P/S:
Beyoncé's rendition of "Jolene" has sparked a lively debate about the nature of love and relationships. Some have criticized her for flipping the script and challenging Jolene
