What a Fool Believes

The Doobie Brothers

About What a Fool Believes

"What a Fool Believes" is a song written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. The best-known version was recorded by The Doobie Brothers (with McDonald singing lead vocals) for their 1978 album Minute by Minute. Debuting at number 73 on January 20, 1979, the single reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 on April 14, 1979 for one week. The song received Grammy Awards in 1980 for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. The song was one of the few non-disco No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 during the first eight months of 1979. The lyrics tell a story of a man who is reunited with an old love interest and attempts to rekindle a romantic relationship with her before discovering that one never really existed. It was claimed that Michael Jackson contributed at least one backing track to the original Doobie Brothers recording, but was not credited for having done so. This was later denied by the band. 


Year:
1981
3:46
3,634 
#3

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He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don't see trying 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 (if love can come and love can go, then why can't love return once more?)
Is always better than nothing (fool's got the power)
There's nothing at all (oh, now)
But what a fool believes he sees (i believe she's never gone away)

No wise man has the power 
To reason away (to reason away)
What seems to be (oh, if love can come and love can go, oh, mama)
Is always better than nothing (better than nothing)
And nothing at all

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The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers are an American rock band. The band has sold over 40 million albums worldwide throughout its career. The group was inducted into The Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004. more »

5 fans

Written by: Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald

Lyrics © Gnossos Music / Milk Money Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Music Artist
"What A Fool Believes" was a collaborative song released by Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald. Both are renowned American singers and songwriters who made significant contributions to the music world during the '70s and '80s.
Band Involvement
The Doobie Brothers, the iconic American rock band, also performed and recorded this song on their album "Minute By Minute" released in 1978.
Songwriters
Both Kenny Loggins and Michael McDonald are credited for writing "What A Fool Believes." Their collaboration resulted in songs that played a pivotal part in shaping the soft rock and pop culture landscape of the time.
Chart Success
"What A Fool Believes" succeeded not only in becoming a popular radio staple but also in securing a spot on the charts. The song reached the top slot, no. 1, on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1979.
Grammy Awards
The song earned both Loggins and McDonald Grammy Awards in 1980. "What a Fool Believes" won Song of the Year and Record of the Year; it was a rare occasion for a single to win both significant categories at the Grammys.
Song Theme
"What A Fool Believes" narrates the tale of a man who runs into an old flame and, despite their past history, convinces himself that she still holds feelings for him. The song is renowned for its poignant lyrics which reflect the delusions that someone can harbor about an ended relationship.
Cover Versions
The song's popularity led it to be covered by many other artists, including Matt Bianco, Dionne Warwick, and Aretha Franklin, reflecting its broad influence and appeal.
Musical Composition
The song is often praised for its sophisticated, complex chord progression. It includes many elements of jazz and pop, further showcasing the versatility and talent of Loggins and McDonald.
Live Performances
Even after years of its release, "What A Fool Believes" continues being performed in concerts by both Loggins and the Doobie Brothers, indicating the song's timeless popularity.
Music Video
Even though the song predates the era of music videos, it eventually got an official music video in the late 20th century, featuring live performance footage of The Doobie Brothers.

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    What a Fool Believes

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1979

    Billboard #1


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