Paychecks and cigarettes govern the kitchenette
She works the evenings, believing what her teachers always said
Jolene is very keen, that girl will live the dream
Go to college, get away
But her boyfriend, in the prison, he’ll say

Wait for me, one more day, and when I’m free
Baby, we will run away

John Paul sold Adderall and cocaine by the shopping mall
He made him a few bucks, now he’s locked up, serving time until next fall
Plans made in seventh grade, he left them all delayed
But she loves him, even so
So he begs her: oh my darling, don’t go

Wait for me, one more day, and when I’m free
Baby, we will run away
Baby, we will run away

Hey Jolene, you’re the one I want
To come with me when I leave this haunt
Baby sink or swim, we’ll be on our own
Cuz we’re leaving Ohio

I’m gonna make parole and, you’re gonna leave that hole, and
We’re gonna find a place where, nobody knows our faces
And I’ll find a job that pays and, you’ll study every day, and
Baby we got to go, they’ll never know, we’re leaving Ohio

Oh oh oh
Baby, we’re leaving Ohio
oh oh
Baby, we’re leaving

Hey Jolene, you’re the one I want
To come with me when I leave this haunt
Baby sink or swim, we’ll be on our own
Cuz we’re leaving Ohio