Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
Fools Fall In Love
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Why do I allow my heart to make decisions for me?
Why do I keep list'ning to my heart?
Why do I get so involved when I would rather be free?
Maybe it's because I'm not so smart
[Refrain:]
Fools fall in love
And I'm a fool
Fools seek romance
Only idiots take the chance
And I'm a fool
I should be able to put all my feelings aside
I should be able to take one free ride in my stride
But fools cannot play
They get serious right away
And break the rule
My heart's on fire when I know I ought to keep cool
Fools fall in love and I'm such a fool
[2nd verse:]
Why do you get so involved when you would rather be free?
Why not give your heart what it may crave?
Why not let your heart decide the question, Which will it be:
Old man's darling or a young man's slave?
The lyrics of Irving Berlin's "Fools Fall In Love" delve into the question of why people allow their hearts to make decisions for them, even when it may not be the most practical or rational choice. The singer wonders why they continually listen to their heart and get involved in romantic relationships when they would rather be free. They admit that they may not be very smart for doing so, but they cannot help themselves.
The refrain of the song emphasizes the singer's belief that only fools and lunatics fall in love, and they see themselves as falling into this category. They acknowledge that seeking romance and taking chances in love can be foolish and idiotic. The singer hints at being hurt in the past by getting too serious too quickly, breaking the rules of love. They know they should keep their cool and not get too involved, but their heart is on fire - symbolizing a passion that cannot be controlled.
The second verse of the song takes on a similar topic but directed towards the love interest. The singer questions why they too would get involved when they would rather be free. They suggest that the love interest needs to let their heart decide whether they want to be an old man's darling or a young man's slave. This line is highlighting the fact that the love interest has to decide whether to settle for a more stable but dull option or take a risk and choose someone who excites them.
Overall, "Fools Fall In Love" is a reflection on the irrationality of love and the inexplicable pull it has on people, even when it may not be the best choice.
Line by Line Meaning
Why do I allow my heart to make decisions for me?
Why do I let my emotions dictate my choices instead of making logical decisions?
Why do I keep list'ning to my heart?
Why do I continue to trust my heart, even when it has led me astray in the past?
Why do I get so involved when I would rather be free?
Why do I become emotionally attached to people when I desire independence and freedom?
Maybe it's because I'm not so smart
Perhaps I am not wise enough to resist the pull of my emotions.
Fools fall in love
People who act recklessly and let their emotions control them often end up falling in love.
Only lunatics fall in love
Only people who are mentally unstable would allow their emotions to rule their decision-making process.
And I'm a fool
I am one of these foolish people who falls in love despite the risks and consequences.
Fools seek romance
People who act impulsively and recklessly like to pursue romantic relationships.
Only idiots take the chance
Only unintelligent people are willing to risk their emotional well-being in pursuit of love.
I should be able to put all my feelings aside
I should be capable of ignoring my emotions and making logical decisions instead.
I should be able to take one free ride in my stride
I should be able to go through life without becoming emotionally attached to anyone or anything.
But fools cannot play
Foolish people cannot resist the temptation to become emotionally involved with others.
They get serious right away
They become emotionally invested in relationships quickly, without considering the consequences.
And break the rule
They break the unwritten law of not letting emotions control their decisions.
My heart's on fire when I know I ought to keep cool
I feel intense emotions even when I know I should remain calm and rational.
Fools fall in love and I'm such a fool
I am aware of the risks of falling in love, but I still choose to let my emotions dictate my actions.
Why do you get so involved when you would rather be free?
Why do you become emotionally attached to people when you desire independence and freedom?
Why not give your heart what it may crave?
Why not follow your emotional desires and let your heart lead you?
Why not let your heart decide the question, Which will it be:
Why not allow your emotions to determine your choice, between an older lover or a younger one?
Old man's darling or a young man's slave?
The choice is between a mature and experienced lover or a younger, subservient partner.
Contributed by Carter E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Trombonology Erstwhile
Love this one! Back in the day, jazz journalist for Metronome, George T. Simon, aptly described the ultra hip and swinging Barnet orch. as "the blackest white band of them all," which was the ultimate compliment.