[Instrumental] (Verse 1) I heard you whisperin’ through the dark Beggin’ me to leave him where he is Your voice is shakin’, tears in every word Like I’m the devil wearin’ crimson lips But darlin’, I ain’t the one who strayed I never chased him, never called his name He showed up at my door with hungry eyes While you were home waitin’, playin’ the same old game (Chorus) Jolene? Jolene? You say my name like a prayer and a curse But I’m not the thief, I’m just the mirror to what hurts Your man came runnin’ when your love went cold Don’t put that weight on me, honey, that’s yours to hold Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I’m beautiful, yeah, but that don’t make me mean Keep your man if you still want him bad ‘Cause I don’t want your broken, cheatin’ man (Verse 2) You paint me like some flame-haired flame That burns up everything you claim But I got dreams and a heart that beats I ain’t here to steal your history He told me stories ‘bout the love you lost How the fire died and the passion cost I listened quiet, then I showed him the door Said, “Go home to your woman, boy, I ain’t your whore” (Chorus) Jolene? Jolene? You say my name like a prayer and a curse But I’m not the thief, I’m just the mirror to what hurts Your man came runnin’ when your love went cold Don’t put that weight on me, honey, that’s yours to hold Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene I’m beautiful, yeah, but that don’t make me mean Keep your man if you still want him bad ‘Cause I don’t want your broken, cheatin’ man (Bridge) [hammer-on and pull-off sequences] [bluesy string bends and double stops] You coulda fought for him with fire in your veins Instead you came cryin’, callin’ out my name Beauty ain’t a weapon if you use it right But fear will make a woman lose the fight I ain’t your rival, I ain’t your end I’m just a woman who won’t play pretend (Final Chorus] Jolene? Jolene? Jolene? Jolene? Tell him to stay if that’s what you need But if he comes back here lookin’ for me I’ll send him right back where he belongs… to you Jolene? Jolene? Jolene? Jolene? Next time you see him slippin’, hold on tighter, queen ‘Cause I don’t want him… No, I don’t want your broken, cheatin’ man [Outro]
