Ken Boothe's (born 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica) is known as "Mr Rocksteady" f… Read Full Bio ↴Ken Boothe's (born 1948 in Kingston, Jamaica) is known as "Mr Rocksteady" for his prominence during the musical period 1966-1974 and was a major idol for the to-be members of UB40. Boothe started by recording a version of Sandie Shaw's "Puppet on a String" in 1967. Later the same year, Boothe and Alton Ellis had a successful U.K. tour with the group The Soul Vendors. Under new direction from record producer Lloyd Chalmers, the song "Everything I Own" surprisingly was Number One in the UK in 1974. The song, written by David Gates, was given a sympathetic light reggae feel and found instant favour in the West Indies and in the U.K.

Boothe seemed, at the time, to have the makings of an international, long-lasting, hit maker, certainly when compared to most of the other latter-day reggae acts. His smoother style gave him a wider appeal, rather like UB40 and Aswad. Boothe's choice of songs also showed the breadth of his musical taste. But for all that, he only managed one more hit in the UK Chart, "Crying over You", which made Number 11.

In more recent times, Boothe has also recorded for Bunny Lee, Phil Pratt, King Jammy, Pete Weston, Jack Ruby, Hugh "Red Man" James, Castro Brown, and Tappa Zukie. Plus in 1995, he teamed up with Shaggy, for a new styled version of his old track, "The Train Is Coming", which appeared on the soundtrack of the film, Money Train.

A double-disc overview of Boothe's Trojan years, Crying over You, was released by the label in 2001.

Boothe's official Web site is at www.kenboothemusic.com

The One I Love
Ken Boothe Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I am a fool
To love someone who don't love me
I am a fool
To love someone who don't care
She loves another man
It's plain to understand
That when I'm around
She just pretends

I am a fool
For I break the golden rule
I am a fool
To give her everything that's true
She loves another man
It's plain to understand
That when I'm around
She just pretend, now
Alright

I am a fool
For I break the golden rule
I am a fool
To give her everything that's true
She loves another man
It's plain to understand
That when I'm around
She just pretends

Oh, what a fool
Fool in love

Overall Meaning

Ken Boothe's song "I Am A Fool" speaks of the pain and suffering one goes through when loving someone who does not love them back. The singer admits that he is a fool for loving someone who does not care for him, and that he breaks the golden rule by giving her everything that's true. The woman he loves loves another man, and it's clear to see that she is just pretending when he's around. The song is a sad acknowledgement of the powerlessness and vulnerability one feels when loving someone who cannot reciprocate those feelings.

The lyrics of "I Am A Fool" capture the universal and often painful experience of unrequited love. The simple yet poignant melody reinforces the raw emotions of the lyrics. The repetition of the phrase "She loves another man, it's plain to understand" drives home the message that he is in love alone, and that he knows it. The song ends with the words "Oh, what a fool, fool in love", expressing the singer's deep sorrow and regret, but also a certain acceptance that he cannot help his feelings.

In conclusion, "I Am A Fool" by Ken Boothe is a touching song that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the agony of unrequited love. It is a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and provide solace for the hurting heart.

The One I LoveKen Boothe Lyrics

alphonso ROLANDO

Nisa eufov5h58y4mas

The One I Love
Ken Boothe Lyrics