Beyoncé’s new country album, “Cowboy Carter,” has sparked significant online discourse, particularly with her cover of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene.” This cover, however, is not a straightforward rendition. Beyoncé has rewritten the song, transforming Parton’s poignant ballad into a “girlboss” power anthem.
In Beyoncé’s version, there is a reference to the “Becky with the good hair” from her 2016 album “Lemonade,” where she implied that her husband, Jay-Z, had been unfaithful. Unlike Parton’s original, where she pleads with Jolene not to take her man, Beyoncé’s rendition is more of a warning to Jolene.
The reaction online has been mixed. Beyoncé’s dedicated fans have largely supported the reinterpretation, while casual listeners and critics have been more divided. Azealia Banks, known for her sharp critiques, described the new lyrics as “forced” and dismissed the idea of an “imaginary adversary” finding Jay-Z attractive.
Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” has been covered numerous times before, making it her most frequently covered song. The original song’s sincerity, with Parton’s raw envy and desperation, has resonated with many over the years. Parton has shared that the song was inspired by a real-life bank teller who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, and a young fan who approached her on stage. Remarkably, Parton wrote “Jolene” and another classic, “I Will Always Love You,” in a single day.
Despite the changes, Dolly Parton has expressed her support for Beyoncé’s interpretation. Parton introduces the song in “Cowboy Carter” and shared her excitement on social media, writing, “Wow, I just heard Jolene. Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!” Parton had previously expressed her desire for Beyoncé to cover the song, hoping she would turn it into a powerhouse rendition.
While many Beyoncé fans loved the reinterpretation, other social media commentators were more cautious, aware of the potential backlash from Beyoncé’s fanbase. Some simply enjoyed the ongoing discourse about infidelity inspired by “Jolene.”
The rest of the songs on “Cowboy Carter” have been well-received by fans and critics, but the “Jolene” cover has highlighted the narrative limitations of empowerment. Triumph often doesn’t pack the same emotional punch as vulnerability.
Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” is a genre-defying album, with country elements and interludes voiced by some of the genre’s greatest artists, like Willie Nelson and Linda Martell. The album also features samples of country classics. Beyoncé’s version of “Jolene” changes the original’s vulnerable plea to a threatening warning, adding a bridge with a male voice promising loyalty.
Professional critics have generally not favored Beyoncé’s version. The Washington Post called it one of the “lower-hanging tribute covers,” while Rolling Stone described it as “cheeky and humorous” but not adding much to the original. Stereogum found it “cute” but “hacky and obvious,” criticizing Beyoncé for covering an oft-covered song.
A significant portion of the pushback revolves around the loss of the original track’s vulnerability. Critics argue that removing this element lessens the song’s impact. Some social media users lamented the loss of the original’s sense of pain and even homoeroticism, while others criticized Beyoncé for going to such lengths for Jay-Z.
However, there are defenders of Beyoncé’s version. The Atlantic’s Spencer Kornhaber argues that Beyoncé is not playing into traditional wife roles but is instead defending the Black family’s right to protect itself. Vox’s Kyndall Cunningham reminds us that the song is part of a long history of outspoken, scorned women in country music.
Many Black women have shown love for Beyoncé’s “Jolene,” appreciating the portrayal of the labor of Black love. Historically, Black women have had to defend what they’ve worked hard to create, and Beyoncé’s rendition reflects this reality.
Dolly Parton herself is the biggest name defending the song. After the album’s release, she posted on Instagram, “Wow, I just heard Jolene. Beyoncé is giving that girl some trouble and she deserves it!”
The discussion around Beyoncé’s “Jolene” highlights the idea that different versions of a song can exist and speak to different audiences. The original “Jolene” remains available for those who love it, while Beyoncé’s version offers a new perspective.
Artists often put on personas and play characters, and song lyrics are not always a clear-cut representation of the singer’s personal reality. Beyoncé’s “Jolene” can be seen as a worthwhile sonic and lyrical portrait of Black womanhood, urging listeners to appreciate the layers and context behind the music.
Source: People, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Stereogum, The Atlantic, Vox
