About the song
“Poor Little Fool” is a classic pop song that became a significant milestone in Ricky Nelson’s career and a notable entry in the history of American popular music. Written by Sharon Sheeley, who was only 15 years old at the time, the song reflects her personal experiences and emotions. Sheeley, who had been encouraged by Elvis Presley to pursue songwriting, crafted the song inspired by a short-lived romance with Don Everly of The Everly Brothers.
The song was recorded by Ricky Nelson on April 17, 1958, at Imperial Records. It was released as a single, catalog number 5528, and featured backing vocals by the Jordanaires. Nelson’s version of “Poor Little Fool” achieved remarkable success, reaching number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart on August 4, 1958. It held the top position for two weeks and also made a strong showing on Billboard’s Country and Rhythm and Blues charts, reaching number three on both. The song’s success extended internationally, peaking at number 4 in the UK.
The release of “Poor Little Fool” came during a period when Ricky Nelson’s popularity was rapidly rising. The song was initially included on a four-song extended-play disc taken from Nelson’s second LP, “Ricky Nelson.” In response to the song’s popularity, a single version was released in both 45 and 78 rpm formats. However, Nelson was displeased with this decision, feeling it might negatively impact the sales of the EP. As a result, he chose not to select a photo for the single’s cover, making it the only Ricky Nelson single from Imperial Records to be issued in the U.S. without a photo.
The song’s appeal has endured over the decades, with several artists covering it, including The Dodgers and Johnny Angel in 1958, The Fleetwoods in 1962, Terry Black in 1965, and Frank Mills in 1972. Each rendition brought its own flavor to this classic tune, maintaining its relevance in the evolving landscape of popular music.
“Poor Little Fool” remains a testament to the early days of rock and roll, showcasing Ricky Nelson’s talent and the impact of a young songwriter’s heartfelt composition.
Video
Lyrics
I used to play around with hearts
That hastened at my call
But when I met that little girl
I knew that I would fall
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
She’d play around and tease me
With her carefree devil eyes
She’d hold me close and kiss me
But her heart was full of lies
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
She told me how she cared for me
And that we’d never part
And so for the very first time
I gave away my heart
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
The next day she was gone
And I knew she’d lied to me
She left me with a broken heart
And won her victory
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
Well, I played this game with other hearts
But I never thought I’d see
The day when someone else would play
Love’s foolish game with me
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(Poor little fool)