When Benton was young he enjoyed gospel music and wrote songs and in 1948 he went to New York to pursue his music career.
He was a member of several gospel groups including "The Langfordairies", "The Jerusalem Stars", and "The Golden Gate Quartet".
After returning to his home state he joined a R&B singing group, "the Sandmen", and soon went back to New York to try for a big break. Eventually the record company decided to drop The Sandmen and push Brook as a solo artist.
Benton wrote songs for artists such as Nat King Cole, Clyde McPhatter, and Roy Hamilton. Soon he released his first minor hit A Million Miles From Nowhere, and later he joined the Mercury label, which would later bring him big success.
In 1952 he got his big break with It's Just a Matter of Time and Endlessly.
It's Just a Matter of Time made it to #3 on the U.S. Pop charts, while Endlessly made it to #12 . Both hits were written by Benton himself.
Benton had many #1 hits including Rainy Night in Georgia and Hotel Happiness. According to Songfacts, his version of the blues standard The Boll Weevil Song has the unique distinction of being the first #1 song on Billboard's Easy Listening chart.
Altogether, Benton had 38 hit singles through out his career. His last album was "Fools Rush In", released posthumously in 2005. He died on April 9, 1988.
Fools Rush In
Brook Benton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I used to say
A game I thought I'd never play
"Romance is a game for fools"
I said and grinned
Then you passed by
And here am I
Throwing caution to the wind
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head.
Though I see the danger there
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care
Mm-mm-mm-mm
Fools rush in where wise men never go
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
When we met, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
Fools rush in where wise men never, never, never go
Eh, but wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
Ah, when we met, girl, I felt my life begin
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
Just open up your heart and let this fool rush on in
Just open up your heart because I-I-I-I-I-I-I am coming in
Open up your heart and let this fool rush in!!
The song "Fools Rush In" by Brook Benton is a love-filled ballad about taking romantic risks. The singer initially believed that "romance is a game for fools" and that he would never fall into that trap. However, when he meets the love of his life, he throws caution to the wind and takes the plunge. He declares his love by saying that his heart is above his head, and he acknowledges the danger of the situation, but he is willing to take the risk.
The chorus introduces the saying "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread," which means that foolish people often take risks that wise people would avoid. The singer admits that wise men never fall in love, so they wouldn't understand why he is willing to take such a risk. However, when he met his love interest, he felt like his life had finally begun. The song ends with the plea to open up the heart and let this fool rush in.
The message of the song is that love can be unpredictable, but taking risks can lead to great rewards. It may be foolish to rush into a romantic relationship without thinking it through, but sometimes it's worth it. The song emphasizes the importance of following your heart and taking chances to live your life to the fullest.
Line by Line Meaning
Romance is a game for fools
I used to believe that love was foolish and that it was a game that I'd never want to play.
A game I thought I'd never play
I never thought I would be the type of person to fall in love or be interested in romance.
Romance is a game for fools
I said this with a smirk on my face, thinking that love was a silly and pointless emotion.
I said and grinned
When I made the comment about love being a game for fools, I smiled and laughed at the thought of it.
Then you passed by
But as soon as I met you, my whole outlook on love changed.
And here am I
I am now in a situation where I am feeling romantic toward someone, even though I never thought I would.
Throwing caution to the wind
Despite any reservations or doubts I have about love, I am willing to dive headfirst into a relationship with you.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
People who act impulsively and without thinking about the consequences often get themselves into trouble.
And so I come to you, my love, my heart above my head.
I am taking a risk by pursuing a romantic relationship with you, even though I know it might not end well.
Though I see the danger there
I am aware that there are risks and potential pitfalls in pursuing a relationship with you.
If there's a chance for me, then I don't care
Even if the odds seem stacked against us, I am willing to take that chance on love with you.
Fools rush in where wise men never go
People who are cautious and analytical are less likely to take the same risks and make the same impulsive decisions as those who are more reckless.
But wise men never fall in love, so how are they to know?
On the other hand, people who are too guarded or calculating may miss out on the joys of love altogether.
When we met, I felt my life begin
Meeting you has made me feel like my life finally has direction and meaning.
So open up your heart and let this fool rush in
I am asking you to put aside any reservations or doubts you may have and take a chance on love with me.
Just open up your heart and let this fool rush on in
I am eager and excited to jump into a relationship with you and am hoping you feel the same.
Open up your heart and let this fool rush in!!
I am passionately pleading with you to take a chance on love with me and see where it might lead.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Johnny Mercer, Rube Bloom
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Xavier Lechard
Kudos to the drummer (whoever he was) who does a great job. One of my favourite versions of this great song.
WedgePee
Belford Hendricks.
Baskerville22
What a class act Brook was. Makes anything he chooses to sing sound great.
Jim Hilliker
Love this version very much.
Daniel Burns
this song went to #24 on the pop charts in 1960!!!
Saquina Akanni
So True. One can never know the the meaning of an experience unless one goes there. The Wise Love but do not Fall in Love, because like gravity sooner or later you will hit the ground. However even the wisest of us humans can tread the unknown in a Moment in Time. It is call Seduction. Once one opens the Pandora Box it is a Great Adventure. For me it was like falling down the rabbit hole in ALICE IN WONDERLAND or the MATRIX "Take the Blue 💊 or the Red Pill. There are LESSONS to be learnt about myself and the Universe, however sooner or later GRAVITY Kicks in and you Hit the Ground. Ooch! THAT HURT😊😀😂 Lessons Learned👏. Recover Quickly💃🎉