Tears of Joy
JAMES Etta Lyrics

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I'm just a fool who really loves you
There is no greater fool than me
You told me lies and I believed you
How big a fool can you be

I close my eyes when people tell me
They saw you kissin' someone new
I just won't let my heart believe it

I'm just a fool in love with you

Some day you may be crying
Crying over me
And if that ever happens
A fool you too may be

Why don't you change your way of livin'?
And walk the straight and never lie
The Lord forgives a fool who's willin'
I'll give the world to make you mine

Some day you may be crying
Crying over me
And if that ever happens
A fool you too, you too may be

Why don't you change your way of livin'?
And walk the straight and never lie

The Lord forgives a fool who's willin'
I'll give the world to make you mine

Overall Meaning

In Etta James' song "Tears of Joy," the lyrics revolve around the pain and frustration of a person who is deeply in love with someone who continuously lies and cheats on them. The singer admits to loving this person despite their deceitful actions, calling themselves a fool for feeling this way. They choose to ignore rumors and continue loving this person despite knowing deep down that they may be betraying them. The lyrics highlight the sheer desperation and hopelessness of being in love with someone who doesn't value or appreciate their love.

The lyrics suggest that the person who is lying and cheating may one day realize the pain they caused and become just as much of a "fool" as the singer in the song is. The singer begs this person to change their ways and start living honestly and straightforwardly so they can finally be together. They even go so far as to say they would do anything to make this person theirs.

Overall, Etta James' "Tears of Joy" is a powerful and emotional song that portrays the frustration of unrequited love and the pain of loving someone who continuously hurts us.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm just a fool who really loves you
Despite the pain and hurt you have caused me, my love for you is so strong that I cannot help but act like a foolish individual.

You told me lies and I believed you
You fed me falsehoods and I was naïve enough to trust you without any doubt.

I close my eyes when people tell me, They saw you kissin' someone new
Even in the face of evidence and rumors, I refuse to accept the fact that you could ever betray me.

I just won't let my heart believe it, I'm just a fool in love with you
Even though I know it is probably irrational and foolish, I cannot help the way I feel and my love for you will always be blind and unconditional.

Some day you may be crying, Crying over me
I predict that one day you will experience the same pain and heartbreak that you have caused me.

And if that ever happens, A fool you too may be
If by any chance you end up in the same situation I am in now, you will understand the extent of the foolishness that goes into falling in love like this.

Why don't you change your way of livin'? And walk the straight and never lie
I beg of you to reconsider your actions and take a more honest and sincere approach towards life.

The Lord forgives a fool who's willin', I'll give the world to make you mine
I believe that even though I am making a foolish decision by loving you, if I am willing to change and improve, I will be forgiven. I am ready to do anything and everything to keep you in my life.

Why don't you change your way of livin'? And walk the straight and never lie
I plead for you to leave behind your dishonest ways and start living with honor and sincerity.

The Lord forgives a fool who's willin', I'll give the world to make you mine
I am ready to do anything it takes to win your love and make you mine. And in case you are hesitant or doubtful about my love, just know that I am willing to change and improve myself, as the Lord forgives those who are willing to mend their ways.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JERRY LEIBER, MIKE STOLLER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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