Dolly Parton – Jolene – Chorus
Jolene < All Analyses
Chord Progression
[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’]
Chord Progression Analysis
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The Chorus is [‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’] arranged in a series of IV-I-V-VI
Full Chord Names (‘Roman Numerals’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– C major (‘I’)
– G major (‘V’)
– E minor (‘iii’)
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Similar Chord Progressions
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1. “Horse with No Name” by America – [‘Em’, ‘D6/9’, ‘Em’] (although simplified, it’s similar in the use of a minor key, repeated chords, and a raised fifth degree)
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Full Chord Names (‘Roman Numerals’)
– E minor (‘ii’)
– D6/9 (‘I add6 add9’)
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2. “House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals – [‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘D’, ‘F’, ‘Am’, ‘E’, ‘Am’] (similar in using primarily I-IV-V progressions in a minor key)
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Full Chord Names (‘Roman Numerals’)
– A minor (‘vi’)
– C major (‘I’)
– D major (‘II’)
– F major (‘IV’)
– E major (‘V’)
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Musical Analysis
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The song’s tonal center is around the A minor chord, the vi degree in the C major scale, hence the song is in the key of A minor. The chord progression is straightforward with most being I-IV-V progressions, which is a common popular music progression.
It’s important to note that the move from G to Am (V-vi) is a deceptive resolution. The V chord typically would go to I in a perfect cadence, especially common in popular music. However, ‘Jolene’ moves to the vi chord, adding a sense of unresolved tension and melancholy that reflects the lyrics.
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Overall Analysis
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The song “Jolene” by Dolly Parton sports a simple yet effective chord progression. The entire song is in the key of C major / A minor (they share the same key signature), with a clear preference for the darker minor tones over the light major tones. This song is a great example of the use of simple chord structures and progressions to evoke emotive sensations.
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Style Analysis
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“Jolene” is a perfect example of Dolly Parton’s storytelling mastery, where the chord progression perfectly matches the song’s emotional intensity. The repeated minor chord gives the song a somewhat sad and desperate feeling, reflecting the song’s narrative. The use of a simple and repetitive chord progression makes this country song easy to follow, remember, and sing along to.
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What are the chords in: Dolly Parton – Jolene – Chorus?
[‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘Am’, ‘C’, ‘G’, ‘Am’, ‘G’, ‘Em’, ‘Am’]
