The Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes (1979)

About the song

The Doobie Brothers’ “What a Fool Believes” is a timeless rock classic that has captivated audiences for decades. Released in 1978, the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying the band’s status as one of the most popular groups of their generation.

The song’s intro immediately sets the stage with a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm. The Doobie Brothers’ vocals then come in, delivering the lyrics with a blend of passion and restraint. The lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the power of self-belief.

One of the song’s most memorable aspects is its soaring chorus, in which the band sings, “What a fool believes, he still believes.” The chorus’s repetitive refrain further reinforces the song’s central theme of the enduring power of hope and optimism.

The song’s production is impeccable, featuring a tight rhythm section, lush strings, and a brass section that adds a touch of soulfulness. The Doobie Brothers’ harmonies are as tight as ever, with each member contributing their unique vocal style to the overall sound.

“What a Fool Believes” is a testament to the enduring power of music. Its timeless melody, evocative lyrics, and exceptional vocals have made it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the Doobie Brothers’ legacy and their ability to create music that transcends time and genre.

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

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