If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody
James Ray Lyrics


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If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta make a fool of someone
Do you really gotta hurt me
I'm the one thatll worry, about you

If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta make a fool of someone
Do you really gotta hurt me
I am the one thatll love you, always true

Daytime or nightime, anytime at all
I'll rush to your side anytime you call
Just to be near you, you know
Anywhere I'll go
How could you hurt me so... Oh

If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you gotta make a fool of someone
Do you really gotta hurt me
I'm the one thatll worry, about you





Take it easy baby
Please don't hurt me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody" by James Ray express the pain and vulnerability of someone in love who is being taken advantage of. The singer is begging the person not to hurt them while acknowledging that they will always be there for them, no matter what they do. The lyrics talk about how the singer will drop everything and rush to the person's side whenever they need them, and yet the person they love is still willing to make a fool of them.


The lyrics are emotional and heart-wrenching, conveying the singer's love and devotion despite being taken for granted. The repetition of the line "If you gotta make a fool of somebody" emphasizes the hurt and pain caused by the person's actions, and the pleading tone in the singer's voice adds an extra layer of emotion to the lyrics. Overall, the song is a powerful statement about the ups and downs of love and the difficulty of letting go even when someone you love is hurting you.


Line by Line Meaning

If you gotta make a fool of somebody
If you feel the need to humiliate or deceive someone


If you gotta make a fool of someone
If you feel the need to play games and cause someone to look or feel foolish


Do you really gotta hurt me
Is it necessary to cause me pain or distress as a result of your actions?


I'm the one thatll worry, about you
I care about you and will be concerned for your well-being even if you choose to treat me poorly


I am the one thatll love you, always true
Despite any mistreatment, my love for you will remain constant and unwavering


Daytime or nightime, anytime at all
I am available and devoted to you regardless of the hour or circumstances


I'll rush to your side anytime you call
I will always be there for you, ready to provide comfort and support


Just to be near you, you know
Simply being close to you brings me joy and contentment


Anywhere I'll go
I am willing to go to great lengths and travel far distances for you


How could you hurt me so... Oh
I am struggling to understand how you could cause me such pain


Take it easy baby
Please be gentle with me and treat me kindly


Please don't hurt me
I am vulnerable and asking you to respect my feelings and avoid causing me harm




Contributed by Daniel V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

The Gothic Imp

Love this song. It's so sad that a man this talented died at such a young age, unsung and largely forgotten. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face, jameycruz2.

beatsinabar

Love this song — it's such a departure from the beaten track, with the 3/4 rhythm, the tuba bass, the non standard song structure. And the video - random street scenes from US and UK — what's that all about? Love it!

yankeear

I 've always loved this song. Its so raw and emotional. The song was probably done in a few takes. Whereas today with all the different instrument that are used in it. It would take a 'genious' to get that sound that Mr. Ray did so gracefully back then.

David Maslow

This is a masterpiece!

Larry Hillman

I remember hearing this song  being done by Freddy and the Dreamers as a teenager. It was much better than any other material they did.. It is a shame that James Ray's original wasn't well known here in the States. It is an excellent song by an American who wasn't really ever known in his own country. The same applies to his song "I got my mind set on you" which good old George had a hit with in the 80's. Great songs by an underrated artist. RIP, James.

Pagan Morph

Freddy Garrity and the Dreamers were often to be seen at the Lunch time Cavern sessions in Liverpool. This is where they would have heard Bob Wooler the DJ playing James Ray constantly

Daniel D

An absolute gem that I haven't heard since the mid-60s. It takes me back to 1962, when music was marvelous. Thanks for posting this lost but not forgotten classic.

Natalia Molina

<3 Hermosa canción

Ty Byrd

I was 15, hanging out with some black guys who had access to the PX on their forces base. One of them bought this record which had just come out. I could not believe how great it was: my introduction to black blues. So wonderful to hear it again. Thank you youtube.

Sandra Reed

check out Great Big World, Say Something

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