Chain of Fools
Aretha Franklin Lyrics
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(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools
For five long years
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I'm just a link in your chain
You got me where you want me
I ain't nothin' but your fool
You treated me mean
Oh, you treated me cruel
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools
Every chain has got a weak link
I might be weak, yeah
But I'll give you strength
Oh, hey
You told me to leave you alone
My father said, "Come on home"
My doctor said, "Take it easy"
Oh, but your lovin' is much too strong
I'm added to your
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools, oh
One of these mornings
The chain is gonna break
But up until the day
I'm gonna take all I can take, oh yeah
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools, oh
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
Chain, chain, chain, oh
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
Chain of fools, oh
The song "Chain of fools" by Aretha Franklin is an emotional and powerful reflection on a failed relationship. The lyrics tell the story of a woman who has been in a relationship with a man for five years and has realized that she was just a link in his chain of women. She feels used and manipulated, but at the same time, she cannot resist his love.
The first verse of the song talks about the realization the woman has had that she was just one of many women that her man had. She once believed that she was his one and only, but now she knows she was wrong. The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "chain of fools" several times, emphasizing the repetitive nature of the cycle of abusive relationships. The second verse speaks to the power that the man holds over the woman and how she cannot break free of him, despite the abuse and neglect she has suffered.
The final verse of the song is a powerful statement of self-worth and determination to break free from the cycle of abuse. The woman knows that one day the chain will break, and she will walk away strong and empowered. She is tired of being a "chain of fools" and is ready to move on with her life.
Line by Line Meaning
Chain, chain, chain
The singer is emphasizing the hold the other person has over them by repeating the phrase "chain, chain, chain."
Chain of fools
The singer feels trapped in a relationship where they are not valued.
For five long years
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I'm just a link in your chain
The singer was committed to their partner for years, but realized they were never really a priority and were just another person in a long string of partners.
You got me where you want me
I ain't nothin' but your fool
You treated me mean
Oh, you treated me cruel
The artist is admitting that they are under the other person's control and have been treated poorly by them.
Every chain has got a weak link
I might be weak, yeah
But I'll give you strength
Oh, hey
The artist realizes they are the weak link in this unhealthy relationship, but vows to find the strength to leave.
You told me to leave you alone
My father said, "Come on home"
My doctor said, "Take it easy"
Oh, but your lovin' is much too strong
I'm added to your
Despite being counseled to leave by loved ones, the singer cannot resist the other person's hold on them and remains in the relationship.
One of these mornings
The chain is gonna break
But up until the day
I'm gonna take all I can take, oh yeah
The singer anticipates that someday they will be able to leave this toxic relationship, but until then, they will tolerate it as much as they can bear.
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
Chain of fools, oh
The artist reaffirms the title of the song and the metaphor of the relationship being a chain of fools.
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools, oh
The chorus emphasizes the repetition and pattern of the toxic relationship and its effects on the artist.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Don Covay
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind