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