Listeners spot Spotify uploads Irish lyrics for Dolly Parton’s Welsh Jolene version
Irish lyrics on Spotify
The lyrics shown on Spotify identified the language as Irish, despite the Welsh version featuring vocals in both English and Welsh. The service removed the lyrics after the BBC approached it for comment.
The BBC asked Spotify when the single and lyrics had been uploaded, when the mistake was identified and when corrected lyrics would appear. Spotify did not respond.
A posthumous Welsh release
The single was released on 9 October and is the second posthumous release from Parton, who died in August and was of Welsh descent. Lewis, from Neath, translated the country song and shared the Welsh version on social media. Lewis and Star recorded their parts in the UK, while Parton recorded hers at her Nashville studio.
The story behind Jolene
First released in 1973, “Jolene” tells of a woman afraid she may lose her husband, Carl Dean, to a red-haired bank clerk who had flirted with him early in their marriage. The song has passed one billion streams on Spotify and has been covered by many famous singers.
Parton reportedly told an audience about her Welsh ancestry during a 2008 concert at Cardiff International Arena. After her death, research by Conwy council archive staff suggested her ancestors came from Machynlleth, in Powys, rather than Conwy, as previously believed.
Key points
- Spotify displayed Irish lyrics for a version sung partly in Welsh and English.
- The lyrics were removed after the BBC contacted Spotify, which did not respond.
- The single was released on 9 October as Parton’s second posthumous release.
- Archive research suggested Parton’s ancestors came from Machynlleth, in Powys.