For the record, O'McPub Band was covering Dolly Parton before Beyonce!
Jolene was released in 1973 as the title track of her album of the same name. The song tells the story of a person pleading with Jolene not to take their lover away, expressing insecurities and fears of losing them to Jolene's beauty and allure.
Both Irish music and "Jolene" belong to musical traditions that prioritize storytelling with themes of love, hardship, jealousy and resilience.
Maybe we'll have to update our version with the Queen Bey's lyrics and melody someday.