What Kind Of Fool Am I?
Grandpaboy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who never fell in love?
It seems that I'm the only one that I've been thinking of
What kind of man is this?
An empty shell
A lonely cell in which an empty heart must dwell
That lie with every kiss?
That whispered empty words of love
That left me alone like this?
Why can't I fall in love
Like any other man?
And maybe then I'll know what kind of fool I am
What kind of clown am I
What do I know of life?
Why can't I cast away this mask of play
And live my life
Why can't I fall in love
Till I don't give a damn?
And maybe then I'll know what kind of fool I am
The song "What Kind Of Fool Am I?" by Grandpaboy (a solo project of Paul Westerberg, best known as the lead singer/founder of The Replacements) is a lyrical reflection on self-awareness and romantic frustration. The opening lines ask the titular question, wondering why the singer has never experienced love like others have. He seems to lament being stuck in his own head, unable to connect with someone else in a meaningful way. The lyrics also describe the singer as an "empty shell" and "lonely cell," suggesting deep-seated emotional issues that could be holding him back from forming a lasting relationship.
The second verse focuses on the singer's lips and their inability to express genuine love. He seems to recognize that he has said "empty words of love" in the past, which may be the reason why he is currently alone. The chorus repeats the question "what kind of fool am I?" while also pondering the possibility of breaking out of his current emotional state. The final lines suggest a desire to let go of his inhibitions and fall in love without fear or hesitation. Overall, the lyrics paint a portrait of a man struggling with his own inability to find love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
What kind of fool am I?
I wonder what type of foolish person I am for never having fallen in love.
Who never fell in love?
I've never experienced the feeling of being in love with someone.
It seems that I'm the only one that I've been thinking of
I've spent my time thinking only about myself and my own desires.
What kind of man is this?
I question what type of person I am to never have felt love.
An empty shell
I feel like I am just an empty vessel without love in my life.
A lonely cell in which an empty heart must dwell
My heart feels empty and I am trapped in my own loneliness.
What kind of lips are these
I am unsure what kind of person I am for lying with my kisses.
That lie with every kiss?
I have been dishonest with my words of 'love' that I have spoken.
That whispered empty words of love
The words of love that I have spoken were meaningless and insincere.
That left me alone like this?
My actions have left me feeling alone and isolated.
Why can't I fall in love
I am unable to experience the emotion of falling in love.
Like any other man?
I wonder why I can't feel the same way as everyone else when it comes to love.
And maybe then I'll know what kind of fool I am
If I were to fall in love, only then would I be able to understand the type of foolish person I have been.
What kind of clown am I
I ask myself what type of foolish 'clown' I am for not understanding love.
What do I know of life?
I question my own knowledge and experience when it comes to living and love.
Why can't I cast away this mask of play
I wonder why I can't stop pretending and truly be myself.
And live my life
I yearn to live my life fully and genuinely.
Till I don't give a damn?
I wish to fall in love so deeply that I stop caring what anyone else thinks or feels.
And maybe then I'll know what kind of fool I am
Only when I experience love will I be able to understand what type of foolish person I have been.
Contributed by Cameron W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.