The Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes

About the song

The Doobie Brothers, a band renowned for their blend of rock, country, and blues, released “What a Fool Believes” in 1978. This track, penned by Michael McDonald, the band’s lead vocalist at the time, became a chart-topping hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its poignant lyrics, infectious melody, and McDonald’s soulful vocals.

“What a Fool Believes” is a ballad that explores themes of heartbreak, regret, and the illusion of love. McDonald’s narrative centers around a man who has been betrayed by a woman he trusted. The song’s opening lines, “I used to think that love was blind, but now I see that love is kind,” immediately set the tone for a reflective exploration of romantic disillusionment.

The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective, featuring a driving bassline, gentle acoustic guitar strumming, and McDonald’s emotive vocals. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “What a fool believes, he still believes,” serves as a powerful statement of the protagonist’s unwavering hope, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

McDonald’s vocal performance is a highlight of the song. His voice is filled with both pain and longing, conveying the character’s emotional turmoil with raw authenticity. The falsetto passages in the bridge add a touch of vulnerability and intensity, further enhancing the song’s emotional impact.

“What a Fool Believes” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its poignant lyrics, infectious melody, and McDonald’s soulful vocals make it a must-listen for fans of rock, pop, and soul music alike.

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
Than 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
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