Table of Contents
Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song “Jolene by Dolly Parton“. The lyrics of the song are beautiful and ideal for English learners and include many interesting language topics, such as making a request, metaphor, simile, and the simple present.
Let’s start with some information about the song!
Jolene by Dolly Parton
Jolene is a song written and performed by American country music artist Dolly Parton. This listening activity provides information about the song, a link to the lyrics, and the official video.
Jolene by Dolly Parton
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts about the Song
- Song: Jolene
- Album: Jolene
- Date of release: October 1973
- Genre: Country pop, bluegrass
- Writer: Dolly Parton
- Produced by: Bob Ferguson
Interesting Information about the Song
The song “Jolene” tells the tale of a woman confronting Jolene, a very beautiful woman whom she thinks is trying to steal away her man, begging her not to do so with the plea, “Please don’t take him just because you can.”
According to Parton, the song was inspired by a red-headed bank clerk who flirted with her husband, Carl Dean, at his local bank branch around the time they were newly married. In an interview, she also revealed that Jolene’s name and appearance are based on that of a young fan who came on stage for her autograph.
“Jolene” was released in October 1973 as the first single and title track from Dolly Parton’s album of the same name. The song became one of Parton’s most famous tracks and is considered a country music classic. It was ranked No. 217 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
The song’s catchy melody and poignant lyrics have led to numerous cover versions by artists across different genres.
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many interesting language points:
Expressions that may be useful to students:
- Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I’m begging of you, please don’t take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don’t take him just because you can - Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of auburn hair
With ivory skin and eyes of emerald green
Your smile is like a breath of spring
Your voice is soft like summer rain
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion Exercise
Complete these sentences while listening to the song:
- Your beauty is beyond compare
With flaming locks of __________ hair - Your voice is soft like __________ rain
And I cannot __________ with you Jolene - And I can easily __________
How you could easily take my __________
Gap-Fill Exercise
These words are used in the lyrics of the song:
- Auburn – A reddish-brown color, often used to describe hair.
- Ivory – A creamy white color, resembling the material from elephant tusks.
- Emerald – A bright green color, like the gemstone.
- Compete – To strive to gain or win something by defeating others.
- Flaming – Burning with a bright flame; also used metaphorically to describe something very intense or vibrant.
- Happiness – A state of well-being and contentment.
- Depends – To rely on something or someone for support or help.
Complete these sentences with the words provided above:
Compete, Ivory, Emerald, Auburn, Flamin, Depends, Happiness
- The old oak tree had __________ leaves that glowed in the autumn sunlight.
- The sculptor carved the statue from a single piece of __________ marble.
- The tropical forest was full of plants with __________ green leaves.
- Athletes from around the world came to __________ in the international tournament.
- The __________ sunset painted the sky in hues of red and orange.
- She found __________ in the simple pleasures of life, like reading and gardening.
- His success __________ on his ability to work well under pressure.
Source: Wikipedia
