On the surface, the classic hit from The Doobie Brothers, “What a Fool Believes,” tells a melancholic tale of unrequited love. This 1979 track’s brilliance lies not only in its melody but in its profound lyrics, with the protagonist trapped in the echoes of a past romance that never truly materialized. It’s a raw, emotional exploration of how our perceptions can shape our reality, even when that reality is a mirage.
A story of a man clinging to the illusion of a past relationship, the song reflects the futile attempt of trying to resurrect what never existed. The message is bittersweet – while the protagonist is the ‘fool’ in question, his foolishness is deeply human, exposing the desperate ways we seek love and connection.
Feel intrigued by this potent mix of love, longing, and illusion? Dive into the song’s deeper meaning, where every lyric line is a stepping stone towards an understanding of the protagonist’s self-deception.
“What a Fool Believes” Lyrics Meaning
“He came from somewhere back in her long ago…” The song opens with the protagonist reemerging in a woman’s life, a woman he believes he shared a romantic connection with. The lyrics hint at an unreciprocated sentiment – his efforts to revive something that “had yet to be created once in her life.”
The lines “She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale, never coming near what he wanted to say” point towards a disconnect. His sentimental journey seems to be a one-sided affair, with his interpretations of the past differing significantly from reality.
The refrain, “But what a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away” underscores the main theme – the power of self-deception. Despite glaring signs, the protagonist chooses to believe in the illusion of a past romance. It brings forth the idea that our emotions can blind us to the point where no amount of wisdom can convince us otherwise.
The lyrics, “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” reflect the protagonist’s reluctance to let go. It also emphasizes the woman’s perspective, her decision to move on, and her acknowledgment that what they had was not what he perceives.
Finally, “What seems to be, is always better than nothing, and nothing at all keeps sending him…” encapsulates the protagonist’s internal struggle. It suggests he’s holding onto this belief because the illusion is better than the loneliness and despair of reality.
The Story Behind “What a Fool Believes”
The writing of “What a Fool Believes” was deeply personal for both Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, co-writers of the song. McDonald reportedly found inspiration in an encounter at a high school reunion, which led to a thoughtful examination of how nostalgia and illusion can shape our perception of past relationships.
During the songwriting process, the duo explored the concept of misplaced hope and unrequited love, which reflected their experiences at the time. The sentiment behind the song mirrors the universal experience of longing and heartache, making it a timeless classic that resonates with listeners even today.