Look out child your bound to change,
You can't ever stay the same
Cause if you keep on singin' the same old lines
You're going to look around babe and find your friend's out of town

Watch out girl the words your sayin' don't really fit the play
Somebody else you might talk to now
Knows what you sayin' what you mean
They don't help your style

You might say you ain't got a hold on yourself
You might say you always try your best
You might say you only need a rest
You might say you can only fool yourself
I said fool yourself
I said fool yourself

Don't believe the words you read
They're written on the street
And every time you know you play their game
They'll knock you down and take your pride away

See how bad you need to cry
But no matter how you try
It's the same old story once again
You always have number one who calls you friend
I call you friend

You might say you ain't got a hold on yourself
You might say you always try your best
You might say you only need a rest
You might say you can only fool yourself
I said fool yourself
I said fool yourself
I said fool yourself

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Little Feat's song "Fool Yourself" seem to be about the importance of being true to oneself and not following the crowd or trying to please others at the expense of personal identity. The opening lines, "Look out child your bound to change, / You can't ever stay the same" suggest that change is inevitable and that trying to resist it only leads to disappointment. The lyrics caution against repeating old patterns and not being authentic in one's actions and words. The lines "Don't believe the words you read / They're written on the street" further suggest that societal norms and expectations can be misleading and that it's important to rely on one's own instincts and feelings.

The verse "You might say you ain't got a hold on yourself / You might say you always try your best / You might say you only need a rest / You might say you can only fool yourself" seems to be addressing the idea that while one might try to convince oneself that everything is under control or that they are doing the best they can, eventually reality will catch up and they must face the truth. The repeated plea to "fool yourself" highlights the idea that pretending to be someone or something that you are not is ultimately harmful to oneself, and perhaps others.

The chorus, "I said fool yourself / I said fool yourself" is reminiscent of a mantra, encouraging the listener to be honest with themselves and not to shy away from their true feelings. The final line "I call you friend" reinforces the idea that being genuine with oneself and others can lead to true, meaningful relationships.

Line by Line Meaning

Look out child your bound to change,
Be aware that change is inevitable, especially as you grow older and experience new things.

You can't ever stay the same
You cannot remain stagnant if you want to experience growth and new perspectives.

Cause if you keep on singin' the same old lines
If you continue to hold onto the same beliefs and ideas, you will not be able to progress or connect with others.

You're going to look around babe and find your friend's out of town
You may find that the people you rely on or trust are not always available or present when you need them, leaving you feeling isolated.

Watch out girl the words your sayin' don't really fit the play
Be careful with the words you use, as they may not align with the overall message or theme you are trying to convey.

Somebody else you might talk to now
When you engage in conversations with others, you may find that they have a different perspective or way of thinking than what you are used to.

Knows what you sayin' what you mean
Be clear and intentional with your words so that others can understand your message and intentions accurately.

They don't help your style
If your words do not accurately convey your intended message, it can hinder your ability to connect with others and build your personal style or brand.

Don't believe the words you read
Be skeptical of information that you come across, as it may be inaccurate, biased or false.

They're written on the street
Words and information that are easily accessible are not always reputable or accurate sources of knowledge.

And every time you know you play their game
If you engage in manipulative or deceitful behavior like some people do, it will result in negative outcomes for you and those around you.

They'll knock you down and take your pride away
If you let manipulative behavior get the best of you, it can hurt your self-esteem and make you feel powerless or unworthy.

See how bad you need to cry
You may feel a strong desire to express your emotions and let out your feelings and thoughts.

But no matter how you try
Despite your best efforts to control or suppress your emotions, they may still have a way of manifesting and affecting you.

It's the same old story once again
You may feel like you are in a repeating cycle or pattern that you cannot seem to break free from.

You always have number one who calls you friend
No matter how lonely or isolated you may feel, you always have yourself to rely on and befriend.

You might say you ain't got a hold on yourself
You may feel like you do not have control over your thoughts, feelings or actions.

You might say you always try your best
You may strive to do your best or put forth your best effort in everything that you do.

You might say you only need a rest
You may feel like you need a break or some time to relax and recharge.

You might say you can only fool yourself
You may be aware of the ways in which you deceive or mislead yourself, either intentionally or unintentionally.

I said fool yourself
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the importance of being honest with yourself, even if it is uncomfortable or difficult to do so.

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Robert Cochran

on Representing the Mambo

Heard this song right before I had to go on a buiness trip to Rio. The progression of the song up the mountainside to the dangerous favelas above the city to the isolated hidden samba clubs make this song a trip you can truly take in your mind to that place.

just now