What Kind of Fool Am I?

Anthony Newley

About What Kind of Fool Am I?

"What Kind of Fool Am I?" is a popular song written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley and published in 1962. It was introduced by Anthony Newley in the musical Stop The World - I Want To Get Off. It comes at the end of Act Two to close the show. Bricusse and Newley received the 1961 Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically, and the 1963 Grammy Award for Song of the Year, becoming the first Britons to do so.


Year:
1992
72 
#2

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What kind of fool am I
Who never fell in love
It seems that I'm the only one
That I have been thinking of

What kind of man is this
An empty shell
A lonely cell in which
An empty heart must dwell

What kind of lips are these
That lied with every kiss
That whispered empty words of love
That left me alone like this

Why can't I fall in love
Like any other man
And maybe then I'll know
What kind of fool I am

What kind of clown am I
What do I know of life
Why can't I cast away
This mask of play
And live my life

Why can't I fall in love
Till I don't give a damn
And maybe then I'll know
What kind of fool I am

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Anthony Newley

Anthony George Newley (24 September 1931 – 14 April 1999) was an English actor, singer and songwriter. He enjoyed success as a performer in such diverse fields as rock and roll and stage and screen acting. more »

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Written by: ANTHONY NEWLEY, LESLIE BRICUSSE

Lyrics © RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, T.R.O. INC., Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song History
"What Kind of Fool Am I?" is a popular song recorded by Anthony Newley. It was originally introduced in the musical "Stop The World - I Want To Get Off" in 1961.
Songwriters
It was written and composed by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley themselves, reflecting their brilliance in both the song-crafting and performance departments.
Award Recognition
The song "What Kind of Fool Am I?" won the 1963 Grammy Award for Song of the Year, highlighting its popularity and acceptance also among the music industry professionals.
Cover Artists
This song has been covered by various artists including Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, and Shirley Bassey, showing its enduring appeal across generations of performers.
Chart Performance
A hit version of "What Kind of Fool Am I?" was recorded by Sammy Davis Jr., which reached number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1962, indicating the song's significant commercial success.
Unusual Distinction
It also holds the distinction of being one of the few songs to have ever been performed on the moon. The astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, played it during the Apollo missions, a unique honor that few songs can claim.
Musical Style
The song is characterized by its powerful, emotional delivery and dramatic musical arrangement, setting it apart in the canon of popular music.
Theme and Message
"What Kind of Fool Am I?" is a self-deprecating ode about a man questioning his ability to find true love, which resonated with audiences due to its universal theme and deeply relatable lyrics.
Robert Goulet's Version
Robert Goulet's recording of the song also achieved notable success and is considered one of the standout versions of "What Kind of Fool Am I?".
Depiction in Media
The song has been featured in several movies and television shows, further contributing to its cultural significance and continuing relevancy.

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