About the song
“What a Fool Believes” stands as a defining masterpiece co-written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, immortalized by its iconic rendition by the Doobie Brothers. Originally recorded for their 1978 album *Minute by Minute*, the song soared to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving this milestone on April 14, 1979, for a week. Its impact was further underscored by Grammy Awards in 1980 for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year, solidifying its status in music history. In a testament to its enduring appeal, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2024.
The genesis of “What a Fool Believes” began with Loggins and McDonald’s collaboration in Los Angeles. Inspired by their shared love for classic tunes like the Four Seasons’ “Sherry” and “Walk Like a Man,” they crafted a composition that seamlessly blended their musical sensibilities. Loggins initially released his rendition on his album *Nightwatch* in July 1978, setting the stage for the Doobie Brothers’ interpretation.
Produced by Ted Templeman, the Doobie Brothers’ version underwent a meticulous recording process, spanning multiple sessions over several days. Initially struggling to capture the desired essence, Templeman resorted to innovative techniques, including piecing together segments of the master tape to achieve the final cut. McDonald’s distinctive contributions, including his keyboard arrangements, vocals, and strings, reshaped the song into a stylistic departure from the band’s previous works, ultimately winning over skeptics at Warner Bros. who initially considered shelving the track.
Critically acclaimed for its soulful vocals and intricate production, “What a Fool Believes” garnered accolades from Billboard, Cash Box, and Record World, each lauding its melodic richness and emotional depth. Over the years, it has garnered retrospective acclaim, with Ultimate Classic Rock ranking it as the Doobie Brothers’ greatest song ever. Rolling Stone also recognized its significance, listing it at number 343 on its “Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time” in 2021.
Beyond its critical success, “What a Fool Believes” achieved cultural resonance, appearing prominently in popular media such as Grand Theft Auto V and solidifying its place as a timeless classic cherished by audiences worldwide.
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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