1.) Alfred Jesse Smith (born July 26, 1941 in Shreveport, Louisiana), better known by the stage name Brenton Wood, is an American singer and songwriter, best known for his two 1967 hits: Oogum Boogum Song and Gimme Little Sign.
When he was a child his family moved west to San Pedro in Los Angeles, California. In his high school years his family relocated to nearby Compton, where Brenton became a member of the Compton High School track team and received several awards for his athletic achievements.
Following his high school graduation, Wood enrolled in Compton College. Soon after he took the stage name Brenton Wood, possibly inspired by the wealthy Los Angeles enclave of Brentwood (some sources state that the name is in honor of his "home county"). During his period there his musical interests began to manifest themselves. He was inspired by Jesse Belvin and Sam Cooke, and he began cultivating his songwriting skills, also becoming an accomplished pianist.
After signing with Double Shot Records he had a hit with "The Oogum Boogum Song" in the spring of 1967. It reached number 19 on the R&B charts and number 34 on the pop listing. His biggest hit came in September the same year. "Gimme Little Sign" hit #9 on the pop chart and also #19 on the R&B charts. In the song gimme little sign is not sung, instead the chorus repeats "give me some kind of sign".
"Gimme Little Sign" was later covered by Danielle Brisebois who had a hit with it in 1994. "Gimme Little Sign" was also recorded by Ricky Nelson.
Some of his more unknown songs are also worth listening to, such as "Me and You," "Baby You Got It," and "18 With a Bullet."
I Think You've Got Your Fools Mixed Up
Brenton Wood Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You must think I'm somebody else
I'm not the same fool you know
That couldn't help himself
And followed you around like a dog
Strung on a chain
And wagged his cute little tail
Whenever you called his name
But baby, that will be no more
Remember when you walked out that door
I was on my knees, I said, "Now baby, please"
You just looked at me and said, "No score"
And then you said
It's no joke and maybe one day you'll be back again
But baby, I got lucky again
I made myself a million tens
And another thing I want to say
I found myself another friend, woo, hoo
I think you got your fools mixed up
You must think I'm somebody else
I think you got your fools mixed up
You must think I'm somebody else
I think you got your fools mixed up
You must think I'm somebody else
The lyrics of Brenton Wood's song "I Think You've Got Your Fools Mixed Up" are about a man who has been mistaken as a pushover and easily manipulated lover by his former partner. He knows that his ex-lover thought he was another guy, a fool who would do anything for her, but he is not that person anymore. He was a weak man who followed her everywhere and begged her not to leave him, but he has since moved on and has become more successful in life. He now has more money and a new friend, and he doesn't want to be bothered by his ex-lover anymore.
The song's lyrics reflect a person who has developed and become more confident compared to his past self. The opening line of the chorus, "I think you've got your fools mixed up," implies that there is a contrast between what the woman believed about the man and what he has become. The song also touches on themes of independence, self-determination, and self-improvement. The line "I made myself a million tens" suggests that the singer has achieved a high level of success and is proud of himself.
The lyrics of the song do not suggest any bitterness or spite towards his former lover, which makes it a refreshing take on the subject. Instead, the song celebrates how the man has moved on and bettered his life. It is not a song of love-gone-wrong, but a song of personal victory and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
I think you got your fools mixed up
You have mistaken me for someone who is willing to put up with your disrespectful behavior and mistreatment.
You must think I'm somebody else
You have a false impression of me and my boundaries.
I'm not the same fool you know
I have learned from my past mistakes and refuse to let you take advantage of me again.
That couldn't help himself
I was once unable to resist your charm and manipulation, but not anymore.
And followed you around like a dog
I used to be completely devoted to you, but no more.
Strung on a chain
I allowed you to control and manipulate me like a puppet on a string.
And wagged his cute little tail
I sought your approval and attention like an obedient pet.
Whenever you called his name
I always responded to your beck and call, regardless of how disrespectful or harmful it was to me.
But baby, that will be no more
I have realized my worth and will no longer allow you to treat me like a doormat.
Remember when you walked out that door
I recall the moment you left me with nothing but heartache and regrets.
I was on my knees, I said, "Now baby, please"
I begged for your forgiveness, even though you were the one who hurt me.
You just looked at me and said, "No score"
You rejected my plea and offered no hope for reconciliation.
And then you said
You continued to rub salt into my wounds with your cruel words.
It's no joke and maybe one day you'll be back again
You acknowledged the severity of our situation and hinted at a possible future reconciliation.
But baby, I got lucky again
Fortunately, I was able to move on and find happiness without you.
I made myself a million tens
I achieved success and prosperity on my own, without relying on anyone else.
And another thing I want to say
In addition to my success, I also found a new companion and confidant.
I found myself another friend, woo, hoo
I have surrounded myself with positive and supportive people who appreciate me for who I am.
I think you got your fools mixed up
Once again, I need to emphasize that I am not the same foolish person who would let you walk all over me.
You must think I'm somebody else
It's clear that you still assume I will tolerate your negative behavior, but I won't.
I think you got your fools mixed up
You continue to underestimate my self-worth and willingness to prioritize my own happiness.
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: ALFRED J SMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind