Take It Or Leave It
Brenda & The Tabulations Lyrics
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Like a rainbow knows the rain
A fool knows a fool,
Like a hurt knows a pain
We're two so blue,
But what love has done
It takes a fool,
It takes one to know one
I recognize those tears in your eyes
I know your not having any fun
Won't you come with me,
You need a fools company
Ah-it takes one to know one
Cause a fool knows a fool,
Like a rainbow knows the rain
A fool knows a fool,
Like a hurt knows a pain
And we're two so blue,
But what love has done
It takes a fool,
It takes one to know one
I recognize those tears in your eyes,
I know your not having any fun
Won't you come with me,
You need a fools company
Ah-it takes one to know one
A fool knows a fool,
Like a rainbow knows the rain
A fool knows a fool,
Like a hurt knows a pain
We're two so blue,
But what love has done
It takes a fool,
It takes one to know one
The lyrics to Brenda & The Tabulations’ “Take It Or Leave It” explore the theme of romantic disillusionment through the metaphor of fools and their ability to recognize each other. The opening line, “A fool knows a fool, like a rainbow knows the rain,” sets the stage for the rest of the song. It suggests that, just as a rainbow is a natural occurrence following rain, the connection between fools is inevitable. The line creates a sense of resignation, as if the singer has accepted their fate as a fool in love.
The chorus reinforces this idea, emphasizing that it takes one fool to know another. The melancholic tone of the lyrics is further underscored by the lines, “We’re two so blue, but what love has done.” Here, the singer is acknowledging the painful emotions they and their partner are feeling as a result of their failed relationship. The implication is that they are both feeling the same kind of heartbreak, like two people caught in a rainstorm.
The final stanza repeats the chorus, adding the lines, “I know you’re not having any fun. Won’t you come with me, you need a fool’s company.” This is a plea for the listener to join the singer in their foolishness, to continue to pursue a love that seems doomed to fail. Overall, “Take It Or Leave It” is a poignant examination of the complexities of love and the often painful journey of romantic discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
A fool knows a fool,
Only a foolish person can identify another foolish person
Like a rainbow knows the rain
Just like rainbows appear after the rains, foolish people cannot exist in isolation and can only be recognized when they are around other fools
A fool knows a fool,
Reiteration of the idea that foolishness is only recognized within the company of similar people
Like a hurt knows a pain
Just as pain can only be felt by someone experiencing it, foolish behavior can be identified from someone who is indulging in it
We're two so blue,
Both of us are feeling sad or depressed
But what love has done
Our sadness is the result of problems in a romantic relationship we are involved in
It takes a fool,
Only a foolish person can choose to remain in a toxic relationship despite its apparent issues
It takes one to know one
The only person who can understand and relate to a fool is another fool
I recognize those tears in your eyes
I understand the pain you are feeling
I know your not having any fun
I recognize that you are not enjoying yourself
Won't you come with me,
I am inviting you to spend time with me
You need a fools company
Being around other foolish people can bring comfort and understanding to someone who is feeling lost or confused
Ah-it takes one to know one
Reiteration of the idea that only a foolish person can identify another fool
Cause a fool knows a fool,
A repetition of the earlier idea that only a fool can accurately determine the presence of another fool
Like a rainbow knows the rain
Further expanding on the earlier comparison between foolish people and rainbows and rains
We're two so blue,
Repetition of the earlier line to emphasize the emotional state of the artist and the person being talked to
But what love has done
Restating the idea that the cause of their sadness is due to something happening in their love life
It takes a fool,
Reiteration of the idea that only a foolish person can choose to continue in a problematic relationship
It takes one to know one
Repeating the idea that one fool can identify another fool
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RONNIE SELF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind