Meaning of "Cologne" by Dolly Parton

The lyrics of "Cologne" by Dolly Parton delve into the complexities of love and infidelity. The protagonist is deeply in love with someone who is in a relationship with another person, causing her heartache and inner conflict. The repeated request not to wear cologne symbolizes the need to hide the affair from the world, to keep it a secret and protect the feelings of everyone involved. The protagonist is torn between following her heart and doing what is morally right, caught in a situation where she feels unable to fully express herself due to the circumstances. The song captures the pain, longing, and moral dilemma that often accompany forbidden love, highlighting the sacrifices and compromises that must be made in such situations.