After Be-Bop-A-Lula had become a huge hit in 1956 (peaking at #7 and spending 20 weeks in the Billboard Pop Chart), Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (often mis-named as 'the' Blue Caps) were unable to follow it up with the same level of commercial success, but released critically acclaimed songs like Race With The Devil (#96 in Billboard) and Bluejean Bop (#49).
Following a visit to Europe in 1959, Vincent managed to attract a new huge and discerning audience there, especially in England and France. By that time his career had mostly ended in the US. In 1960, while on tour in Britain, Vincent and songwriter Sharon Sheeley were seriously injured in a high-speed traffic accident. Vincent broke his ribs, collarbone, and added further damage to his already weak leg which he had injured in a motorcycle accident in 1955 and refused to have amputated, and Sheeley suffered a broken pelvis. Both Vincent and Sheeley survived, but the accident killed Vincent's tourmate and Sheeley's fiancé, Eddie Cochran.
Vincent subsequently moved to England in 1963. His stage shows became "must see" events and his bands through those years were to spawn some of the most respected players in the world today. It was during his early tours of Britain that he adopted the trademark leather outfit, at the suggestion of British Rock 'n' Roll impressario, Jack Good.
The King Of Fools
Gene Vincent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Here comes the king of fools)
Make way, make way I say
Well, today is coronation day
I'm gonna wear my heartbreak
For a crown
And tears instead of jewels
The king of fools
Raise a cheer as he passes by
Drink a toast to this lonely guy
I'm gonna wear my heartbreak for a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
How can you fall
Oh, slap bang out of love
Don't ask me, you should know,
You found it easy enough
Make way, make way I say
Well, today is coronation day
I'm going to wear my heartbreak for a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
How can you fall
Oh, slap bang out of love
Don't ask me, you should know,
You found it easy enough
Make way, make way I say
Well, today is coronation day
I'm going to wear my heartbreak for a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
The lyrics for "King of Fools," a song by Gene Vincent, depict a man who has been rejected in love but rather than hide his hurt, he chooses to parade it like a crown for all to see. It is coronation day for him, and he plans to don tears instead of jewels while proclaiming himself the king of fools. Although he recognizes that falling out of love can be difficult, he is still mystified by how it can happen. The song is about hurt and dignity, pride and foolishness, and the existential struggle to come to terms with love and loss.
Through this song, Vincent is able to create an image of a man who recognizes that he is heartbroken but is willing to own the title of the "king of fools." He is asking for recognition and acknowledgment in his heartbreak, and through his emotional display, he is forcing those around him to take notice. His tears are his only crown, and he wears them with pride. This song is a message to anyone who has gone through heartbreak and emphasizes the idea that it is okay to be vulnerable and express one's emotions in a dignified way.
Line by Line Meaning
(Here comes the king of fools)
Introducing the arrival of the song's protagonist, who is commonly known as the king of fools.
Make way, make way I say
Clear the path for the king of fools.
Well, today is coronation day
Today is the day the king of fools is being crowned.
I'm gonna wear my heartbreak For a crown
The king of fools plans to wear his pain and heartbreak as a symbol of his reign.
And tears instead of jewels
In place of expensive jewels, the king of fools will display his tears and sorrow.
'Cause I'm his majesty, The king of fools
The singer repeats his title, emphasizing his royal status as king of the fools.
Raise a cheer as he passes by
Encouraging the people to cheer for the king of fools as he walks past.
Drink a toast to this lonely guy
Celebrating the king of fool's loneliness with a drink, mocking him.
How can you fall Oh, slap bang out of love
Questioning why one can suddenly fall out of love so easily.
Don't ask me, you should know, You found it easy enough
The king of fools responds by saying he's not the one to ask about falling out of love, since the listener found it so easy to do.
I'm going to wear my heartbreak for a crown
The king of fools repeats his plan to wear his pain and heartbreak as a crown.
And tears instead of jewels
He repeats his intention to display his tears instead of valuable jewels.
'Cause I'm his majesty, The king of fools
The singer finishes the song repeating his title, the king of fools.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: BOB BARRATT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@pebr3420
Make way, make way I say
Well, today is coronation day
I'm gonna wear my heartbreak
For a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
Raise a cheer as he passes by
Drink a toast to this lonely guy
I'm gonna wear my heartbreak for a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
How can you fall
Oh, slap bang out of love
Don't ask me, you should know,
You found it easy enough
Make way, make way I say
Well, today is coronation day
I'm going to wear my heartbreak for a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
How can you fall
Oh, slap bang out of love
Don't ask me, you should know,
You found it easy enough
Make way, make way I say
Well, today is coronation day
I'm going to wear my heartbreak for a crown
And tears instead of jewels
'Cause I'm his majesty,
The king of fools
@Banderuola66-Szonja
And here comes ME :)) Ready to say Thank You so very much for this GREAT upload !!! What a song, what a rhythm !!! Love It !!! A GEM for me !!! Big Thumbs Up !!!
@ildibildi53
WOW..... This awesomely good sound. Love it. Tack for you
@carolemclarty2036
LOVE THIS SONG BY SWEET GENE * MISS HIM SO MUCH * GOD BLESS MY DEAR FRIEND ! HE WAS MY HEARTS GREATEST THRILL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!