Released: 1978
“What a Fool Believes” by The Doobie Brothers dives into the theme of unrequited love and self-deception. The song tells the story of a man clinging to a past relationship, blinded by nostalgia and unable to accept reality. His belief in a love that never truly existed highlights the folly of wishful thinking.
The opening lines introduce a man who is lost in memories of a past relationship. He’s trying to recreate something that never really happened. The woman, meanwhile, listens to his tales but knows the truth. She smiles politely, aware that his dreams are just that—dreams.
The chorus underscores the man’s delusion. “What a fool believes he sees” speaks to his inability to see the truth. The line “No wise man has the power to reason away” suggests that even logic can’t break through his fantasies. His belief is stronger than reality.
The song’s narrative continues with the man holding onto hope. He believes she still has a place in his life, despite evidence to the contrary. The repetition of “He never made her think twice” shows his failure to impact her life, emphasizing his one-sided affection.
As the song progresses, the man’s hope remains unshaken. He believes that someday she’ll return, ignoring the reality that she’s moved on. The lyrics “What seems to be is always better than nothing” reflect his preference for illusion over emptiness.
The repeated phrase “What a fool believes he sees” drives home the central theme. The man’s inability to let go is both tragic and relatable. His belief in a non-existent love is a testament to the power of self-deception and the human tendency to cling to comforting lies.
