Joy Behar recently shared her thoughts on Dolly Parton's iconic hit song 'Jolene,' deeming it 'anti-feminist' due to its theme of a woman pleading for another not to take her man. Behar expressed her preference for Beyoncé's new remake of the song, where the lyrics are altered to convey a more assertive message of warning against attempting to interfere with her relationship.
Beyoncé's rendition of 'Jolene' on her 'Cowboy Carter' album has garnered attention for its empowering twist on the original narrative. In contrast to Parton's plea to 'please don't take my man,' Beyoncé's version features a bold declaration of 'don't come for my man.' This shift in tone reflects a more self-assured and confident stance on protecting one's romantic interests.
Despite Behar's criticism of the original song, she made it clear that she holds Dolly Parton in high regard, referring to her as a 'feminist' and praising her as 'the best.' Parton herself has shown support for Beyoncé's reinterpretation of 'Jolene,' even making a cameo appearance on the album to introduce the track.
The updated lyrics in Beyoncé's version of the song emphasize a sense of empowerment and agency, with lines like 'You don’t want this smoke, so shoot your shot with someone else.' This modern take on 'Jolene' has resonated with fans and critics alike, receiving acclaim for breathing new life into the country music genre.
'Cowboy Carter,' the album featuring Beyoncé's cover of 'Jolene,' has been well-received by music enthusiasts and industry insiders. With collaborations with artists like Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone, the 27-song record has been hailed as a much-needed revival for country music.
