Fools
Depeche Mode Lyrics


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Don't know the reason why I
Think I've been here before
This place seems so familiar
But then I can't be sure
Here comes that time again when
You'll walk right out the door
Don't tell me secrets anymore
And fools don't run away
You'll be followed another day
And all the chances that fall your way
Are in the fire on your dying day
So call me now and tell me that you're home

Can't see the sense in crying
There's too many tears to fall
My thoughts are multiplying
So I'll try to save them all

And fools don't run away
You'll be followed another day
And all the chances that fall your way
Are in the fire on your dying day
So call me now and tell me that you're home

And fools don't run away
You'll be followed another day
And all the chances that fall your way
Are in the fire on your dying day
And fools don't run away
You'll be followed another day
And all the chances that fall your way
Are in the fire on your dying day

And fools don't run away
And fools don't run away




And fools don't run away
And fools don't run away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Depeche Mode's "Fools" are a reflection of the pain and confusion that can result from broken relationships. The singer expresses his uncertainty about the situation, admitting that he's not sure if he's been in this place before, but it seems familiar. He's anticipating the moment when his partner will leave him, which has presumably happened before, and he doesn't want to hear any more secrets. The repetition of "fools don't run away" serves as a reminder that running away from one's problems won't solve anything, and it's better to face them head-on. The last line, "Call me now and tell me that you're home," is a plea for reassurance, and the singer hopes that his partner will come back to him.


The song's lyrics are open to interpretation, but they seem to be about the pain of losing someone you love and the fear of being alone. The repetition of "fools don't run away" suggests that the singer is trying to convince himself of this idea, that running away won't help. The lyrics are simple, but they convey a lot of emotion, and the melody is haunting and beautiful.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't know the reason why I
I am uncertain about the cause of my current state of being


Think I've been here before
This situation seems familiar, as if I've experienced it previously


This place seems so familiar
This location feels like one I have visited in the past


But then I can't be sure
However, I cannot confirm that my assumptions are correct


Here comes that time again when
This is the recurring moment when


You'll walk right out the door
You are going to leave me once again


Don't tell me secrets anymore
I cannot handle any more confidential information from you


And fools don't run away
Those who are foolish will not try to escape their problems


You'll be followed another day
Your actions will have consequences, even if not immediately apparent


And all the chances that fall your way
Opportunities that present themselves to you


Are in the fire on your dying day
Will be gone forever when your life ends


So call me now and tell me that you're home
Please notify me immediately that you have returned home safely


Can't see the sense in crying
I cannot understand the logic behind shedding tears


There's too many tears to fall
There are too many emotions to express through tears


My thoughts are multiplying
My mind is overwhelmed with numerous thoughts


So I'll try to save them all
I will attempt to preserve all of my thoughts and emotions




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Alan Wilder

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@TheMarichella

Currently my favorite Depeche Mode song. I love all DM songs that are written by alan. Pity there aren't more.

@valenx6737

Alan was in DM so underrated...I Wish he could have written more songs, I've hot goose bumps everytime I listen to one of the few of them💔🎼💔

@springworksband7644

A personal favourite :)

@alejandrocurado5134

Alan wrote some songs for DM and could have written more, but Martin became jealous of his genius and Alan's songs would always end up being b-sides or labeled as co-written. Additionally, Alan improved many songs written by Gore. He gave them the distinctive DM touch we all know today. He did a lot of work that was uncredited or "hidden" so that the real stars could be Gore and Gahan. Meanwhile, Fletcher did almost nothing and got the same recognition. That's why he left

@entitybreathing

@@alejandrocurado5134 Alan lifted DM to their success that's for sure. But when it comes to songwriting Alan has said himself that he didn't want to write more songs for DM because he didn't think he had the skills. A shame Alan had self doubt about it I love all songs he wrote for DM. But Alan felt much more at home with the role as a soundscape creator than a lyricist/songwriter. I agree with you he should have been credited way more. Alan actually worked so hard he probably should have been credited as a co writer on many songs.

@fadedSF

​@@alejandrocurado5134I like Alan sound design and stuff but I like Depeche Mode better when Martin would it come with a demos and always cool keyboard parts and Melodies going in and out and then Allen would make them sound cool with good instruments but Martin was writing all the Melodies when they started with violator Ellen wanted more control so mine was like okay won't write all these Melodies but then Alan just kind of did atmospheres instead so we lost out on all those little cool parts that were in the songs before 1988.

I like a lot of bloodline by rekoil and I have at least two of the albums after that that Alan put out but they're pretty unmemorable. his DM songs were cool, but like alan himself said, he didn't really like writing songs very much.

His remix for nitzer ebb around 2010 was awesome tho.

@98of99

B sides bring out DM's true creative genius

@chealysat5709

98of99 Alan Wilder

@valenx6737

The always underrated Alan's creativity😭😭😭💔🎼

@deanesteenkamp3818

For sure!

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