The song tells of the narrator confronting Jolene, a stunningly beautiful woman, who she worries will steal away her lover/husband. Throughout the song, the narrator implores Jolene "please don't take him just because you can."
A song tells of a man facing off against Jolene, a captivating woman who worries he could lose his partner to her charms. The narrator repeatedly asks Jolene not to take his lover/husband simply because she is capable.