The first album by Graham Parker and the Rumour, Howlin' Wind, was released to acclaim in 1976 and was rapidly followed by the stylistically similar Heat Treatment. A mixture of rock, ballads, and reggae-influenced numbers, these albums reflected Parker's early influences (Motown, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan,Van Morrison) and contained the songs which formed the core of Parker's live shows -- "White Honey", "Soul Shoes", "Lady Doctor", "Fool's Gold", and his early signature tune "Don't Ask Me Questions", which hit the top 40 in the UK.
Parker and the Rumour built a reputation as incendiary live performers: the promotional album Live at Marble Arch was recorded at this time and shows off their raw onstage style. Like the pub rock scene he was loosely tied to, the singer's class-conscious lyrics and passionate vocals signaled a renewal of rock music as punk rock began to flower in Britain.
Bob Andrews left The Rumour in early 1980, and was not officially replaced. However, in studio sessions for the next album (The Up Escalator), Nicky Hopkins and Danny Federici (of The E Street Band) sat in on keyboards.
1980's The Up Escalator was Parker's highest-charting album in the UK and featured production by Jimmy Iovine and guest vocals from Bruce Springsteen. Significantly, the front cover of the album credited only Graham Parker, not "Graham Parker and The Rumour".
The Up Escalator would prove to be Parker's last album with the Rumour, although guitarist Brinsley Schwarz would reunite with Parker in 1983 and play on most of the singer's albums through the decade's end. As well, bassist Andrew Bodnar would rejoin Parker from 1988 through the mid 1990s, and drummer Steve Goulding would play on Parker's 2001 album Deepcut To Nowhere.
In early 2011, Parker reunited with all five original members of The Rumour to record a new album. The record, titled Three Chords Good, was released in November 2012.
Fools
Graham Parker & The Rumour Lyrics
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A d a d
I been doing my homework now for a long long time
A d a d
And everything that I look for I know I will one day find
E d e d
I'm a fool so I'm told I get left in the cold
Cause I will search the world for that fool's gold,
D a d a
Fool's gold
Oh the world may be full of girls with their charms on show
But the one that I seek will have much more than any I know
People say heaven knows see what comes I suppose
But I will search the world for that fool's gold, fool's gold
E a d
Huh I eye eye eye eye eye eye eye
E a d e a d
I eye eye eye eye eye eye eye oh yeah
Instrumental verse (a d a d a d a d a d)then oh
E d e d
People say heaven knows heaven knows heaven knows see what comes I suppose
E d a
But I will search the world for that fool's gold
(sax) d a d a
Oh yeah fool's gold oh ho yeah fool's gold
D a d
Fool's gold fool's gold fool's gold
A d a d (just a and d to the end)
Fool's gold fool's gold fool's gold fool's gold
Keep searching in the mountains in the valleys, in the deep blue sea
I will search I will search I will search for fool's gold
Go oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
I will search for fool's gold, I will search for fool's gold
I will search, I will search, I will search
I will search for fool's gold, I will search for fool's gold
I'm a fool, I will search, I will search, I will search for fool's gold
Fades /pre>
In "Fool's Gold," Graham Parker & The Rumour delve into the theme of romantic quests and the feeling of being a fool for continuously chasing an elusive dream. The first verse introduces the idea that the singer has been searching for something for a long time and is determined to find it. The use of the phrase "fool's gold" implies that the search may be unrealistic and that the object of the search may not be what it seems. However, despite the warnings from others and potential setbacks, the singer continues to search for their goal.
The second verse lists the potential distractions on this quest, like the "charms" of other women, but emphasizes the importance of the one person who has "much more" than any other. The repetition of "heaven knows" in the pre-chorus underscores the idea that the search is both endless and potentially futile. However, the singer will continue to search the world for this elusive prize. The song ends with a repetition of the phrase "fool's gold" as a kind of mantra for the singer's search.
Overall, "Fool's Gold" is a song that delves into the idea of chasing after something that may be elusive, but also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and a dogged determination to find what one is looking for.
Line by Line Meaning
I been doing my homework now for a long long time
The singer has spent a considerable period of time in gathering the knowledge required to find what they are looking for.
And everything that I look for I know I will one day find
The singer is confident that their search will bear fruit, and everything they have been looking for will come to them one day.
I'm a fool so I'm told I get left in the cold
The singer may be called foolish for their search, and may be left alone or ignored because of it.
Cause I will search the world for that fool's gold, fool's gold
Despite the challenges and criticisms, the artist is determined to search the whole world in pursuit of their goal - even if it is just a fool's errand.
Oh the world may be full of girls with their charms on show
The world may offer plenty of alluring opportunities, but the artist is looking for something more substantial than surface-level charm.
But the one that I seek will have much more than any I know
The singer is seeking someone or something that has qualities beyond any they have encountered so far.
People say heaven knows see what comes I suppose
Perhaps some believe that only fate or divine intervention can lead one to true fulfillment, but the singer remains undeterred in their search.
But I will search the world for that fool's gold, fool's gold
The chorus reinforces the idea that despite all odds, the artist will continue on their quest for what may ultimately be a fruitless pursuit.
I eye eye eye eye eye eye eye
This line may be a vocalization of the artist's unyielding determination or a cry of frustration.
People say heaven knows heaven knows heaven knows see what comes I suppose
The repetition of this line emphasizes the idea that the artist is aware of the prevailing doubts and opinions but chooses to disregard them.
But I will search the world for that fool's gold
The chorus is repeated again to emphasize the singer's unwavering commitment to their search.
Oh yeah fool's gold oh ho yeah fool's gold
This line may be a celebratory ode to the idea of fool's gold, or it may reflect the irony of how the pursuit itself may ultimately be the reward.
Keep searching in the mountains in the valleys, in the deep blue sea
This line emphasizes the vastness of the singer's search - they are willing to look everywhere in pursuit of their elusive goal.
I will search I will search I will search for fool's gold
Repetition of the phrase underscores the singer's commitment to their search.
Go oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh oh
This line may be interpreted as a battle cry or a call to action.
I'm a fool, I will search, I will search, I will search for fool's gold
The song concludes with a reiteration of the artist's self-proclaimed foolishness and their determination to continue their search, regardless of the obstacles.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TOM BAILEY, CHRISTOPHER HAMILTON BELL, ALANNAH JOY CURRIE, PETER DODD, JOSEPH MARTIN LEEWAY, JOHN ROOG, MATTHEW THOMAS ARTHUR SELIGMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@craigbissell9777
One of the most talented and underrated singer / songwriters of his time. Spend some time listening to his catalog, you'll be glad you did.
@craigallegrezza1876
Totally agree. I can’t believe this guy never got anywhere near the credit he deserved.
@dbmorton1114
Been a fan since 1979. Graham Parker and the Rumour are one of rock's best keep secrets. Great songwriting and a great band.
@shirleyfeldhaus7409
Saw Graham Parker and the Goldtops last month (September '23) and they were brilliant. Saw Graham Parker and The Rumour a few times in the 70s too.Absolutely amazing band.Should have been massive but hey we were the lucky ones to appreciate them.
@KD-cj3ji
Let's start a movement to raise Graham and the boys to where they should be. I was 17 in 1977. Wow.... amazing I know these songs word for word... STILL 😀😀
@goleson100
I was also 17 in ‘77. Also like Rachel Sweet’s version.
@patrickwickham5683
One of the best bands I ever came across! You can't beat those pub bands of the 70s, they made all our best pre punk, punk, & post punk music. Graham Parker is a big part of the soundtrack of my life. Thanks Graham.
@akitasam7007
Heat Treatment and Howling Wind are 2 of the best albums of the 70's....crying shame they never got the air play they deserved!
@grasscarpets
Akita Sam that mercury poison that’s why record company screwed him that’s why he wrote that song for mercury records he was on
@oppothumbs1
Hi two best and Discovering Japan was fine as well as his best of 88 - 91 double album with many fine songs form hist 80s albums