The Doobie Brothers perform “What A Fool Believes” from the album ‘Minute By Minute’ (1979)

About the song

The Doobie Brothers, an American rock band known for their harmonies and eclectic style, released “What a Fool Believes” as a timeless anthem of love, loss, and the power of hope. This soulful ballad, released in 1978, became a hit single and a defining track for the band’s iconic sound.

With their distinctive harmonies and emotive vocals, The Doobie Brothers explore the universal themes of love, heartbreak, and the search for meaning in life. Through introspective lyrics and the band’s powerful performance, listeners are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions.

The opening lines, “I used to think I was so wise, I used to think I could see through lies,” immediately establish the song’s central theme. The lyrics continue to explore the challenges of love, betrayal, and the pain of heartbreak. The song’s refrain, “What a fool believes, he still believes,” conveys a sense of resilience and the enduring power of hope.

Throughout the song, The Doobie Brothers’ harmonies and soulful performance create a captivating and immersive listening experience. The band’s ability to evoke a sense of longing and heartbreak makes this song a timeless classic.

“What a Fool Believes” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that has influenced countless artists and generations of music fans. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful performance continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless and enduring piece of music history.

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…