The Doobie Brothers: What A fool Believes (1979)

About the song

The Doobie Brothers, a band synonymous with the California sound of the 1970s, released “What a Fool Believes” in 1979. This song, a departure from their usual rock and country-rock style, marked a significant turning point in their career. Penned by Michael McDonald, the band’s lead vocalist at the time, the song is a poignant ballad that explores themes of love, loss, and the human tendency to cling to hope even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

“What a Fool Believes” is a song that immediately captivates the listener with its lush harmonies, soulful vocals, and evocative lyrics. McDonald’s voice, rich and emotive, conveys the depth of the character’s emotional turmoil. The song’s arrangement is both understated and powerful, with the piano and strings providing a haunting backdrop to the narrative.

The lyrics of “What a Fool Believes” tell the story of a man who refuses to acknowledge the end of his relationship. He clings to the hope that his lover will return, despite all evidence to the contrary. The song’s chorus, “What a fool believes, he still believes,” is a poignant reminder of the human tendency to delude ourselves in the face of adversity.

“What a Fool Believes” was a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1980. It also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1981. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless message and its ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

Video

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

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

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
And nothing at all 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

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

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
There’s nothing at all
But what a fool believes he sees…