If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody

Aretha Franklin

About If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody

"If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" is a song written by Rudy Clark and first recorded by James Ray in 1961. Ray's recording on the Caprice label, arranged by Hutch Davie and produced by Gerry Granahan, reached number 10 on the US Billboard R&B chart. and number 22 on the Hot 100 in early 1962. In 1962, the Beatles began to perform the song at their gigs, with John Lennon singing lead and playing harmonica. Paul McCartney said that George Harrison had a copy of Ray's record. . "and we did a version of it because we thought it was such a wacky waltz. No one had a 3/4 number. And an R 'n' B waltz, that was new! The London bands used to gather round when they'd hear us do it in Hamburg. Lots of bands all hanging, having a beer when we were on, and I consciously remember them all hanging round for that one....". Ray's single was reputedly included in John Lennon's jukebox, the subject of a 2004 compilation album. Manchester beat group Freddie and the Dreamers heard the Beatles play the song at the Cavern in Liverpool in September 1962, and soon began to incorporate it into their own act. The group recorded it with producer John Burgess, and their version reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart in 1963, the first hit of their career. It was also the opening track on their eponymous debut album. 


Year:
1969
3:08
183 
#2

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If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta make a fool of someone
Do you really have to hurt me
I'm the one that'll worry about you

If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta to make a fool of someone
Do you really have to hurt me
I'm the one that loves you, always true

Daytime, nighttime, anytime you call
I'll rush to your side, anytime you call
Just to be near you, you know
Anywhere I go, how could you hurt me so
Oh

If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta make a fool of someone
Do you really have to hurt me
I'm the one that'll worry about you

If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta make a fool of someone
If you gotta make a fool of somebody
And If you gotta make a fool of someone
If you got to make a fool of somebody
If you got to make a fool of someone

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Aretha Franklin

Aretha Louise Franklin (born March 25, 1942) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and pianist. In a recording career that has spanned over half a century, Franklin's repertoire has included gospel, jazz, blues, R&B, pop, rock and funk. more »

15 fans

Written by: Rudy Clark

Lyrics © CARLIN AMERICA INC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Origin
"If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" is sung by Aretha Franklin who is widely recognized as the "Queen of Soul."
Album Information
The song was included in Aretha Franklin's album "Soft and Beautiful" released in 1969.
Not Her Original Song
This song is actually a cover. The original singer of "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" is American blues musician, James Ray, who released it in 1962.
Significance
Aretha’s rendition of the song showcases her outstanding voice and her unique ability to convey emotion through music. Her version was well-received, and it showcased her ability to sing diverse genres of music, thereby cementing her versatile talent.
Not a Chart-topping Song
Despite Franklin's significant contribution to the music industry, this particular song didn't reach the top of the Billboard charts. However, it's loved by many of her fans and still holds an important place in her music catalog.
Song Theme
"If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" is a heartfelt ballad embodying themes of love, heartbreak, and sacrifice.
Powered by Her Career Upswing
The release of this song came during a highly significant period in Franklin’s career, a time in which she was achieving significant commercial and critical success.
Powerful Lyrics
The song's potent lyrics, combined with Franklin's singular soulfulness, touch on a universal experience of love and loss that has resonated with numerous listeners worldwide.
Famous Songwriter
The song was penned by Rudy Clark, a prolific songwriter, who wrote other hits like "Good Lovin'" and "Got My Mind Set On You".
Engaged Audience
This song, like many others by Franklin, has become popular in the live performances and enabled her to engage with audiences in a powerful way.

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