“What a Fool Believes” is a timeless classic rock ballad that has been resonating with audiences for over four decades. Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins and first recorded by the Doobie Brothers in 1978, the song has become a staple of classic rock radio and continues to be enjoyed by fans today.
The song tells the story of a man who is coming to terms with the end of a relationship. He reflects on the good times they had and the love he once felt, but he also acknowledges the pain and disappointment that he is now experiencing. The lyrics are both poignant and relatable, capturing the universal emotions of heartbreak and loss.
McDonald’s smooth vocals and Loggins’s soulful guitar work combine to create a beautiful and haunting melody. The song’s arrangement is also simple and effective, allowing the lyrics and vocals to shine through.
“What a Fool Believes” was a huge commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1979. It also won two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.
Today, “What a Fool Believes” is still considered one of the greatest rock ballads of all time. Its message of love, loss, and redemption continues to resonate with listeners of all ages.
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Lyrics
He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don’t see
Tryin’ hard to recreate
What had yet to be created once in her life
She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize it never really was[Pre-Chorus]
She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He’s watching her go[Chorus]
But what a fool believes, he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
Than nothing at all[Verse 2]
Keeps sending him somewhere back in her long ago
Where he can still believe there’s a place in her life
Someday, somewhere
She will return