I'm a Fool to Care
Fats Domino Lyrics


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I'm A Fool To Care

I'm a fool to care
When you treat me this way
I know I love you
But what can I do
I'm a fool to care
I'm a fool to cry
When you tell me goodbye
You left me so blue
When you were untrue
I'm a fool to care
I know I should laugh
And call it a day
But I know I was right
If you went away
I'm a fool to care
When you don't care for me
So why should I pretend
I lose in the end
I'm a fool to care
I know I should laugh
And call it a day
But I know I was right
If you went away
I'm a fool to care
When you treat me this way
I know I love you




But what can I do
I'm a fool to care

Overall Meaning

Fats Domino's 1951 hit song "I'm a Fool to Care" is a classic example of the blues sound, expressing a deep sense of sadness and regretful longing. The lyrics reflect the pain of lost love, while also acknowledging the singer's own choice to continue caring for someone who does not feel the same way.


The repetition of the chorus line "I'm a fool to care" emphasizes the singer's helplessness and vulnerability, as he confesses his love even in the face of betrayal and heartache. The lines "When you treat me this way" and "When you tell me goodbye" capture the specific pain of being mistreated and rejected by someone you love.


The second verse, "I know I should laugh and call it a day, but I know I was right if you went away," juxtaposes the singer's rational knowledge of his situation with the overwhelming emotions he feels. Ultimately, he still feels compelled to care, even though he knows it will only cause him further pain.


Overall, "I'm a Fool to Care" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of love and heartbreak, and the enduring human desire to hold on to someone even when it hurts.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm a fool to care
Despite your mistreatment, I still feel strongly for you, and it is foolish of me to continue caring.


When you treat me this way
Your behavior towards me is unacceptable and hurtful.


I know I love you
Despite everything, my feelings for you have not changed.


But what can I do
I feel helpless and unable to change or control my emotions.


I'm a fool to cry
My sadness and tears over your departure make me feel foolish.


When you tell me goodbye
Your decision to leave me is painful and difficult to accept.


You left me so blue
Your departure has left me feeling sad and depressed.


When you were untrue
Your actions of being unfaithful have caused me great pain and heartache.


I know I should laugh
I should try to brush off my feelings and move on from the situation.


And call it a day
I should accept the reality of the situation and move on with my life.


But I know I was right
My feelings towards you were genuine and true, and I have no regrets.


If you went away
If you choose to leave, I will accept it and move on.


When you don't care for me
Your lack of caring towards me makes me feel unimportant and neglected.


So why should I pretend
I cannot pretend or force emotions that are not there.


I lose in the end
My continued care for someone who does not reciprocate will only lead to my own emotional detriment.




Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: TED DAFFAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

施仁宗 常化

I'm a fool to care when you treat me this way
I know I love you but what can I do, I'm a fool to care
I'm a fool to cry when you tell me goodbye
You left me so blue when you were untrue, I'm a fool to care

I know I should laugh and call it a day
But I know I would cry if you went away

I'm a fool to care when you don't care for me
Why should I pretend I'll lose in the end, I'm a fool to care

(I know I should laugh and call it a day
But I know I would cry if you went away)

I'm a fool to care when you treat me this way
I know I love you but what can I do, I'm a fool to care



All comments from YouTube:

northern moose

This is one of Fats Domino's best songs. As soon as I heard it, I went and purchased a copy. Thank you for making us aware of such great music by this great artist.

Chris Stupka

I've always been an Elvis fan and I have listened to Fats many times. This man was first class and center stage. Another one of the greats that won't be equalled.

Bill Williams

This is one of my favorite songs by Fats. What a great band with him.

Tempey cooper

lost one of our Greats!!! no one could sing it like him. RIP Fats, thank you for the awesome music!! <3

MikeBlitzMag

The better known rendition by Joe Barry isn't hard to take, either. Both versions are worth having in your archives!

Elijah Pearce

his music will make people happy 1000 years from now :)

Or Blau

Yeeeeeees!

Gene Brock

I miss Fats....he was a part of my teen years and will never forget him. Thanks for posting.

ramonabrns6

I listen to this song also over and over again.It's fantastic to hear Fats Domino singing this song,much better than another singer .....

Philip Teaderman

Fats was my idol growing up and I was lucky enough at one of his concerts to meet him and shake his hand. A legend of his times and his music is classic

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