Chain Of Fools
Joe Cocker Lyrics

Chain, chain, chain
Repetition of the word chain, emphasizing the importance of the metaphorical chain in the song

Chain, chain, chain yeah, chain of fools
The chain represents the relationship between the singer and their lover, with the lover being the 'fool' for being trapped in it

For five long years
The singer has been in this chain of fools for five years

I thought you were my man
The artist believed their lover was their committed partner

But I found out
The artist learned new information about their lover or their relationship

I'm just a link in your chain
The singer feels like they are not equal in the relationship, just a small part of what their lover wants

You got me where you want me
The singer feels trapped and helpless in their relationship

I ain't nothin' but your fool
The artist feels like they are being taken advantage of by their lover

You treated me mean,
The artist has been treated badly by their lover

Oh babe you treated me cruel
The artist has been treated in a way that is beyond just 'mean'

Now, every chain
The singer shifts their focus from their personal experience to the metaphor of chains in general

Has got a weak link
Even the strongest chains can be broken by a weak link

I might be weak child
The singer acknowledges their own vulnerability in the relationship

Oh, but I gave you strength
The singer has tried to give their lover what they need to continue the relationship

Now,you tell me to leave you alone
The singer's lover is pushing them away

My papa says "Come on home"
The artist's father encourages them to leave their lover

My doctor says "Take it easy"
The artist's doctor advises them to take a break from their stressful relationship

But your lovin'is much too strong
Despite the advice from others, the singer is too emotionally invested in their lover

I'm welded to ya
The singer is stuck to their lover like they are bound by the chain metaphor used throughout the song

One of these mornings
The artist predicts that their chain (and relationship) will eventually break

That chain is gonna break
Reiteration of the idea that the chain (and relationship) will end

But until then, I'm gomma take all I can take
Despite the artist's predictions of the relationship's end, they are still going to try and make it work in the meantime

Chain, chain, chain
Reiteration of the metaphorical chain in the song

Chain, chain, chain...
Final repetition of the metaphorical chain in the song, emphasizing its importance