The Tams
What kind of fool what kind of fool
What kind of fool do you think I am
You think I can (------? unclear)
After we had made our plans
Said I'd be your number one man
What kind of fool do you think I am
Do you think I am do you think I am
What kind of fool do you think I'd be
You said you really really loved me
Darling you run around all over town
You build me up then you let me down
What kind of fool do you think I am
What do you think I am
I ain't gonna be your second choice
I've got to be your number one
Or I ain't gonna love you at all
Darling you run around all over town
You build me up then you let me down
What kind of fool do you think I am
Do you think I am baby
Darling you can't think that
Darling I'm no fool
What kind of foo-oo-ool

Overall Meaning

The Tams’ song “What Kind of Fool” is an anthem of self-respect and demand for loyalty. It is a lamentation of a lover’s betrayal, who after having made plans and giving assurances of love and commitment, goes out to run around town with others. The singer questions whether he is the fool for believing in the other person’s promises or if the other person thinks he is a fool for continuing to believe. The repetition of the refrain “what kind of fool do you think I am” highlights the singer's frustration and disbelief at being taken for granted. He wants to be the number one choice for his lover and will not settle for being the second choice.

The song is an excellent example of a classic R&B/soul sound from the 1960s, filled with passionate vocals and an upbeat tempo that encourages dancing. It was a popular song in the southern R&B scene, and its popularity extended to other regions. The Tams earned a substantial following with their electrifying stage presence and emotive music, "What Kind of Fool" included.

Line by Line Meaning

What kind of fool what kind of fool
Questioning the type of person the other party believes the singer to be

What kind of fool do you think I am
Asking the listener to consider the singer's intelligence

You think I can (------? unclear)
Unclear and cannot be associated with a specific meaning

After we had made our plans
Referring to previously established arrangements between the two parties

Said I'd be your number one man
Reinforcing the importance of the artist's role in the other person's life

What kind of fool do you think I am
Reiterating the initial question while expressing frustration

Do you think I am do you think I am
Emphasizing the doubt and questioning of the other party's actions

What kind of fool do you think I'd be
Asking the listener to consider the artist's expectations

You said you really really loved me
Recalling the other party's declaration of love

Darling you run around all over town
Accusing the other party of infidelity

You build me up then you let me down
Expressing disappointment in the other party's behavior

What kind of fool do you think I am
Reiterating the initial question while expressing frustration

What do you think I am
Continuing to question the listener's perception of the singer

I ain't gonna be your second choice
Refusing to be treated as an afterthought

I've got to be your number one
Reiterating the importance of being a priority in the other person's life

Or I ain't gonna love you at all
Conditional statement indicating the artist's requirements for offering love

Darling you run around all over town
Accusing the other party of infidelity

You build me up then you let me down
Expressing disappointment in the other party's behavior

What kind of fool do you think I am
Reiterating the initial question while expressing frustration

Do you think I am baby
Asking the listener to address the artist's doubts and questioning

Darling you can't think that
Disputing the other party's perception of the artist

Darling I'm no fool
Asserting the artist's intelligence and self-worth

What kind of foo-oo-ool
Continuation of the initial question while emphasizing it with whimsical tone and melody

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: RAY WHITLEY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Comments from YouTube:

@jamesprevard6555

1y↑20

Only the old timers of the Golden years will remember this one.

@derekaitken

Finding out about it now is good too!

@acgtande-don8590

51w↑3

The Tams !
When I first heard "What kind of Fool...... " I thought it was an early Drifters song or a group from Philly. As a young boy, I'd hear the "old heads" singing it on tha corner. Soon my crew and I emulated them.
At 73, I was just crooning lead and background... Including bass and falsetto. God has truly blessed us all ! ❤🙏
(Donnie Tee from Philly) 🎵🎶🎤
G

@acgtande-don8590

51w↑1

The Tams originated in Atlanta, Ga.

@phayzyre1052

2y↑41

I play this song for the people who have done me wrong in life yet try to waltz back into my life!

@lisaatkins9797

4y↑68

What kind of fool doesn't like this masterpiece?

@rogerdefreitas781

4y↑4

A dam fool

@deborahmccoy3837

4y↑3

……It Is A Masterpiece!!!!!

@harryh8536

Lisa, what a great, clever comment

@elainehammond8273

3y↑9

When I was in Elementary school..the Tams visited the school..I am 71 years old..so that brings back real good memories...

@samuelgriffin4167

2y↑8

Oldies but goodies in 2023

@reginajackson8051

3y↑12

Wow...learn something everyday. This was one of Elvis's favorite songs, so I looked up the name of the group, this was Tiny (T.I's wife) father's group. He was lead vocalist Charles Pope.

@TJthunderstrike

33w↑1

Thanks.... Did not know this at all.

@billysmith8261

3y↑16

My Favorite song by the Tams.

@SamuelGriffin-zt1ze

24w↑3

The music of yesterday brings back timeless memories

@User_gin_927untileternity

3y↑15

I grew up on all of this great music!!👍🎶🎧🎤

@harryh8536

2y↑2

Likewise, for me, still lovin’, playing, & listening @ 73 1/2

@User_gin_927untileternity

2y↑1

@@harryh8536 On my way to 70! This was the best era in my opinion, prior to the British Invasion with The Beatles~Music has been with me all my life ! 🙂👍✌

@isaareanisd3

1y↑6

Oldies never dies

@richardschaefer4807

5y↑53

Soooo much better than ANYTHING today or in the last 20 years!

@lindalee1358

Love ❤️ the Tams,, listen to these fine guys while doing my house 🏠 work every day,, fantastic voice and very handsome,, nice video

@Doowopsid

3y↑18

Just heard someone on TV ask this question, remembered this great song and here I am! What a great memorable song. Once you hear it you will never forget it and will always think of it when the question is asked!

@Boudreaux641

4y↑20

Two minutes of pure magic!

@deborahmccoy3837

U got that right!

@lestorhaslam

31w↑3

A great song.

@joycemorris9406

3y↑8

This group transports me back to the late 60's, Georgia Southern University nee College/Statesboro, GA.
I saw the Tams twice in concert/dance. They were great.

@TheSnodly

9y↑87

My dad used to work across the street from their studios at Lowry Music. They sent me an autographed album "Introducing the Tams", which I still have and enjoy. The music still has me popping my fingers and wistfully remembering a time when there was a plethora of good music.

@WaltEb

9y↑8

Hi TheSnodly, the good old days, no one can stop the time from passing, I'm afraid not...thanks for the comment. All the best. Walt

@mayjune309

7y↑1

TheSnodly who cares

@cedarshoals529

6y↑10

I used to live in the same neighborhood as the Tams. I would see their bus in the Candler Rd area and would always bug them for autographs and such. They would pay me 25 cents to sweep out their bus. In a time when all the adults were telling me to grow up, be responsible...Here was this wise old grandfatherly man with the gravel-ly voice telling me to "Be young, be foolish, be happy" and knowing I lived in the same neighborhood with some of the coolest people in the world sure helped to do that! Rest in Peace Mr. Joe. and Thank you for making my childhood better!

@wymellwilliams1543

3y↑1

I'm going to play hey girl don't bother me next

@TheSnodly

3y↑3

@@mayjune309 Evidently you do, as you took the time to be snarky. Get well soon.

2 More Replies...

@reginajackson8051

3y↑4

2022 still hits....

@rahleecohishakarah7546

20w

Memories from a Golden Era!

@joannanderson9279

4y↑10

I 💘 the Tams they were singing sweet soul music My cousin would buy all hits we couldn't wait for her to head back to Clark college so we could really play those songs

@receivedSE

3y↑6

I like this song.

@JimChard-x1k

This one popped into my head 2025

@chrisozzy56

2y↑3

Shag dancing ( or trying to ) in the early’60’s with your favorite gal while on vacation in Myrtle Beach . Looking back … that was Heaven .

@BeverlySimmons-z7e

36w↑3

Wow back in the day sounds so good , I was a little girl when that song came out. Nothing like the songs from back in the day great memories forever ♾️ .

@terrywatkins-bo6xf

1y↑1

I, just checking in to the military, man we used to jam on that hit back in the days.

@gingerjones6436

4y↑12

Had this group for our High School Prom!

@erikdavis1646

So LUCKY!

@harryh8536

Ginger, sister of spike, from Thomson, GA?

@boomerang905

2y↑1

Reminds me my late older brother. No matter the time of night, if this came on, he got up and smoked a square. He finally bought it 😂

@deborahmccoy3837

4y↑3

Good Music Brought Me Here!!!!

@jasoncarpp7742

3y↑10

Awesome music! I've never heard of the Tams.

@deborahmccoy3837

3y↑2

I know, A lot of people haven’t heard of this fantastic group.

@merchantcharles1954

Sorry yiu missed out big time. Still playing this greater than 40 years later

@claudiamello7684

1y↑2

I just heard this song today playing overhead as I was shopping in a grocery store. On about my 99th replay. Thank you! I don't recall hearing it before, I was 10 when it came out. Love the downbeat and the bass voice. Dancin'.. 😊❤

@samuelgriffin4167

3y↑2

That's an oldie but goodie

@bbkeepsitreal9863

5y↑21

I'm feeling this song on July 16 the year 2020!!!

@charlenewray1180

5y↑2

My birthday!

@johnhendricks8140

4y↑7

Tiny from Excape got me to check out her dads music it has that Sam Cooke sound, great era of music.

@randalcopley630

3y↑1

Growing up at Windy Hill Beach and going to Wampee Little River High School it was so nice to go to the Beach Club with Puppy, nickname for my girl, on a Saturday Night, miss it so much

@YoungMully

2y↑2

Hello and I just heard this legend song in PS4 Game and is stacked in my head for a days :) love it 🤍

@sheilaburns8977

7y↑16

I was 8 years old, spending the night with my big sister and I remember listening to this song. I still love it.

@WaltEb

7y↑1

Hi Sheila Burns, thanks for listening and commenting.

@samuelgriffin4167

3y↑1

Bill Deal and The Rhondells did a great job on the old Tams song What Kind of Fool

@kaefreemanduchess719

4y↑4

Seeing the Precious picture of Tiny and her Dad i do recall her mother speaking of her husband in the entertainment business

@dawnwilson3269

4y↑1

Infomercial brought me here I'm so lucky and happy about that.

@alperdue2704

5y↑11

First saw these guys in Myrtle Beach.

@galeabernathy3921

5y↑2

I first saw them in Birmingham, and many times after that.

@stevieedwards7769

5y↑1

saw them in Charlotte NC at The Tiki Lounge in 1977.... then in N. Myrtle Beach 1981. awesome group!

@galeabernathy3921

4y↑1

@@williamshivers7173 You may have!!!! One of my best friends at the time dated one of the Medallions, Steve, I think.

@jamesbrown1312

7y↑14

I first heard this group in 1965 when I was a freshman at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. Later saw them in concert at GC. They were great, had smooth style, great soul, fantastic presence on stage. A lot of wonderful memories, even after some 50+ years!

@croatiancroissant28776

2y↑1

These problems are eternal.

@TheHuevino1

4y↑1

Here from tiktok, damn this is a banger

@icantthinkofcoolyoutubenam9141

4y↑9

Tiny brought me here

@pauluap1000

7y↑29

so many groups in the fifties and sixties; some made it some didn't; doesn't mean they were bad! case in point: The Tams!!

@roberthouston8463

7y↑4

Paul Singer That's Right 🗽

@janiep5995

5y↑5

Dancing on the top floor of the Pavilion in Myrtle Beach as a teenager - good times, better memories

@randyweaver9528

Myrtle has changed. Most not for the better unfortunately

@walibashir102

5y↑7

This song reminds me of UNDER THE BOARDWALK.

@oluhamilton2121

Got the same flavor.

@RJGuitarist03

The guy on my right at the back looks alot like Will Smith lol fr

I've always loved this type of music 🎶 💜 something about 60s motown is just magical to me 💙

@lindahairston4157

5y↑2

Wow !!!!!!! I Luv this song I'am a old school sister, what kind of fool do u think Iam, not !!!! u better recognize woo woo !!! 😇😍💘💗

@pamelabounds2741

23w

This song is still a hit to those who were blind and woke up to how they were being played . Then here the player comes back to see if you was still stupid for them. But...... no mo fool.

@michaelnix5560

3y↑1

Mikey's Oldies But Goodies.

@jamesprevard6555

3y↑2

Big hit ìn the urban cities across usa!

@conraddubose7518

40w

One of the best songs ever to come out of FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals. Jill Shires on the flute makes the record for me.

@johnhawkins2768

5y↑5

This should take you way back, the Tams

@gailjackson5841

6y↑5

Still have this vinyl.

@coffeeicecream1

5y↑8

So damn good, thank you gentlemen!!!!!!!!!!!

@douibharon6032

5y↑6

Still rocking 😏

@mickeystewart7199

awesome THE TRUTH OF LIFE

@RobertWalton2014

6y↑4

Liking this all over again!

@ralphrobertson6925

47w

music back in the day/*-

@drkayesfca

7y↑8

@Walt Eb, thank you for posting the good stuff. Gotta love real music with real talk👏🏽👏🏽✌🏾️

@WaltEb

7y↑1

Hi Dr. Karen Loughridge, thanks for listening and commenting.

@larryking9951

3y↑2

Are we at the beach yet?????? I feel like we are!!!!!!!!

@leonwilliams9916

6y↑5

I really enjoyed the revival of this group with Kenny Brown as lead singer.

@WaltEb

6y↑1

Hi Leon Williams, thanks for listening and commenting.

@MrCandlewax

4y↑17

I'm here because of Tinys interview with Vlad

@noneya7297

4y↑1

🤣 me too lol

@Commentsdontmakesense

Which one is her dad ? ✋🏾 cause the talent.

@mfjones5913

8y↑8

seen these guys last night awesome

@WaltEb

8y↑2

Hi Clemon, I'm glad you like it, play it often, thanks for the comment.

@jasminnemcdonald94A

4y↑2

I heard this song at the Red Eye Diner tonight. (November 21, 2020)

@davidroberts1702

4y↑3

1963, a very different time. If you weren't there then, and you think you understand it: you don't. A lot of good times behind you, and nothing but bad times ahead of you, forever.

@chasbodaniels1744

Gee, not too depressing.

@davidroberts1702

@@chasbodaniels1744 But real.

@lmariebell

8y↑7

I remember hearing this song on the radio when I was a very young girl, thanks for posting

@alicegraham1571

8y↑21

They were at the Virginia State Fair on Friday night, and they were great! Too bad that it was rainy and wet. Go see them.

@WaltEb

8y↑6

Hi Alice, thanks for stopping by and for the comment, have a nice day. Walt

@dalymaz9019

40w

best song cool balade

@clovis_tt

5y↑5

Máfia 3

@lsykes5600

2y↑2

Tiny from Swv is the daughter of one of the Tams

@lalareal180

2y↑1

lmao Tiny from XSCAPE!

@scandalfan1667

Here in 2023 after watching an interview of Tiny from Xscape. This is her dad's group

@drkayesfca

7y↑3

I've got to be your #1 or I ain't gonna love you at all. Now, that's real talk. Real music🎹🎼🎤☮

@willardpage3676

7y↑5

Our band The Shantellas and Chantels from Hamlet NC Back up this band in their Early Days. They were great Guys.

@drkayesfca

Willard Page are you still performing? Lucky you to have this memory🎼🎤🎧🎹

@rrdcac255

Now I have two to love well I always have I'm much older man by these guys and Ron deal and the shondells

@haroldgilbert6707

18w

❤❤❤❤❤

@thomasengel2414

2y↑1

I wonder who played the guitar. Great fills.

@vladstalingrad7407

8y↑62

Mafia III, Fallout (Radio) New Vegas Extended Tracklist... Dang.

@thomasgordin5522

6y↑1

what kind of fool ha

@kapios69

4y↑2

fallout you mean the video game?

@USMERCENARYm4a1

Yup lol

@katherinesalley2603

3y↑1

Let's SHAG!!!

@julianf147

4y↑8

Can you find Tiny from Xscape father in this group?

@carolyngordin6091

5y↑1

JUST A PACK OF WIND MR WINDMILL TAKE THAT

@USMERCENARYm4a1

3y↑3

I'm here because of Mafia 3 lol

@ajstar4134

4y↑2

Here from mafia 3

@Lil-Lucky103

5y↑4

Mafia 3 brought me here

@robertchatman5898

6y↑1

What kind of fool do you think I am? You think you can go on seeing him.

@lanceuppercut6168

Those lyrics kept swimming in my head and I didn't know where I picked them up. Apparently I heard it in Mafia 3 and didn't realize it hah. Great song!

@carolyngordin6091

5y↑1

THEY HAVE EVIDENCE THEY HAVE TO PRESENT IT

@dereka.b.8136

4y↑4

fun fact- Tiny " TI" Harris father was apart of this group

@buffshaggy9121

Fun fact, its spelled "a part"

@melodysanger103

7y↑11

REMEMBERING CHARLES POPE (AUGUST 7, 1936 - JULY 11, 2013) [08/07/2018]

@angelaalbury9985

Reuben Rolle, first serial killer in The Bahamas, 1964, played this on the jukebox.
He killed his wife first and 5 others.
Allegedly his wife was having an affair with his best friend. She moved out and went to live with her sister.

@janedoe-sq8cs

8y↑8

Timeless

@carolyngordin6091

4y↑1

1963 THE FIRST BLACK ACT IN AUSTIN TEX ON TV

@Ellen6216

6y↑1

💔

@testdummy7910

4y↑2

Came here from mafia 3

@_Tico29_

3y↑1

here from mafia 3

@darrylevans4401

6y↑1

Love this song from The Tams

@brendondavis2437

37w

From mafia 3

@jimroberts9253

20w

First date w my wife...55 yrs ago.

@DM-rh4ev

18w

Mafia 3 ❤

@kiing5991

4y↑2

Mafia 3

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