Sunday 8 June 2014

A slow gay anthem?



As heard just now on Johnny Walker's Sounds of the 70s on BBC Radio 2 - it's the most marvellous "male" version of Dolly Parton's Jolene...


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
And I cannot compete with you, Jolene

He talks about you in his sleep
There's nothing I can do to keep
From crying when he calls your name, Jolene

And I can easily understand
How you could easily take my man
But you don't know what he means to me, Jolene

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

You could have your choice of men
But I could never love again
He's the only one for me, Jolene

I had to have this talk with you
My happiness depends on you
And whatever you decide to do, Jolene

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
I'm begging of you please don't take my man
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene
Please don't take him even though you can
Jolene, Jolene


But the best part?

...it's by Dolly herself, slowed down from 45 to 33⅓!

Utterly remarkable!

5 comments:

  1. Such a timeless song - even when slowed down!

    (This reminds of the stores in the 80s that the first few Kylie singles were actually sung by Rick Astley and then sped up. Hilarious!)

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    Replies
    1. I actually think I prefer the slowed-down version... Jx

      PS Rick was often seen in the 80s in a bubble perm and mini-dress, so it's an easy mistake to make :-)

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  2. I meant stories, obviously ;) And yes, who could forget about those legs of Rick's...

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  3. We did the same thing in the 70s slowing down her crossover hit, "You've Come Again" to 33 1/3, while we learned swing dance. She really does sound much better as a tenor with a slower vibrato.

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    Replies
    1. It is quite remarkable how her voice is not spoiled - some may say it's improved - by being slowed down. The mark of a genuinely talented vocalist, methinks... Jx

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