Produced by Hugh Padgham
Co-produced by Mike H… Read Full Bio ↴Written by Paul Draper
Produced by Hugh Padgham
Co-produced by Mike Hunter
Released August 2000 on Little Kix.
Notes:
Released in an edited mix as a single (Fourteen EP) in January 2001.
"I read a book on songwriting by Jimmy Webb. Now, I love Jimmy Webb, but he rightly pointed out that it is fairly easy to write song lyrics on a simple subject. 'Flying in the sky / back of my mind's eye / you've been a fool' etc. This inspired me to write an ironic song that is now my least favourite Mansun track. Bowie intro, comical chorus lyrics and guess what? The label wanted it as a fucking single! I couldn't believe it." (Paul Draper, 2006)
Fool
Mansun Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, fool again
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool
Can't stop myself from drowning
Nothing standing in your way, feeling good
'Cos shops want to let you in, 'cos you've been a fool
You just can't help it
Suddenly it seems worthwhile, life's a gas
And just when it all goes right, working out
And just when I hit that high, I am a fool
Just can't help it
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, again
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool
Can't stop myself from drowning
Nothing left to get you down, feeling good
And know that you're always right, thank the lord
As cars swerving out your way, and you are a fool
You just can't help it
Suddenly you get mixed up, feeling bad
And everything you do is wrong, looking bad
And feel that you're out of touch, you've been a fool
Just can't help it
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, again
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, fool again
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool
Can't help myself from drowning
Just when I take one step forward and two back...
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, again
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, fool again
Doesn't matter what I do
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool
Can't stop myself from drowning, yeah
The lyrics to Mansun's song "Fool" revolve around the theme of being caught in a cycle of self-destructive behavior, unable to break free despite recognizing the harmful consequences of one's actions. The repetition of the phrase "I've been a fool" throughout the song emphasizes this sense of inevitability and hopelessness. The lyrics suggest that the singer is aware of the positive things in their life, such as feeling good and receiving attention from others, but is ultimately unable to resist the temptation to act recklessly. This leads to the feeling of "drowning," or being overwhelmed by the negative consequences of their actions.
The song shifts between feeling positive and negative, representing the cyclical nature of the singer's behavior. When things are going well, life is described as "a gas," but this is quickly followed by a downturn in their mood when they become "mixed up" and feel "out of touch." Despite feeling like they've taken a step forward, the singer ultimately ends up "drowning" once again. This suggests that, while the singer has moments of clarity and determination, they are ultimately unable to break free from their destructive patterns of behavior.
Line by Line Meaning
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, again
I have made a mistake again
Doesn't matter what I do
No matter what I do, I can't seem to change things
(I've been a fool) I've been a fool, fool again
I keep making the same mistake over and over
Can't stop myself from drowning
I feel overwhelmed and unable to cope
Nothing standing in your way, feeling good
Feeling confident and unstoppable, as if nothing can go wrong
And girls want to check you out, looking good
Feeling attractive and desired by others
'Cos shops want to let you in, 'cos you've been a fool
People are willing to give you a chance because of your past mistakes
You just can't help it
You feel like you have no control over your actions
Suddenly it seems worthwhile, life's a gas
Feeling like life is exciting and full of potential
And just when it all goes right, working out
When everything seems to be going well
And just when I hit that high, I am a fool
Even when things are going well, I can't shake the feeling that I will mess it up
Just can't help it
Feeling powerless to change my behavior
Nothing left to get you down, feeling good
Feeling free from negativity and confident
And know that you're always right, thank the lord
Feeling like you know what's best and have a sense of gratitude for your life
As cars swerving out your way, and you are a fool
Feeling like the world is accommodating to you and your past mistakes
Suddenly you get mixed up, feeling bad
Feeling confused and unsure of yourself
And everything you do is wrong, looking bad
Feeling like you can't do anything right
And feel that you're out of touch, you've been a fool
Feeling disconnected and isolated because of your past mistakes
Just when I take one step forward and two back...
Even when I try to make progress, I feel like I'm going backwards
Can't stop myself from drowning, yeah
Feeling like I am sinking or overwhelmed and can't catch a break
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TONY HUSTINGS MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Captain Turrican
One of the most beautiful tunes I ever heard,and the most underrated bands,but hey,quality has always been the privilege of the few!
The Wigan Joker
Seconded Good Sir.
dingo dave
This and wide open space have basic but quality bass lines with complimentary drums.add a bit of guitar and some cracking vocals,mix it all together,put it int thoven on gas mark 7 for about 30 mins and there ya go.a bloody nice cake that rose to the occasion.there will never be a cake made like that again. Rip mansun,one of the best indie bands if the late 90ies early 2000.im happy to have had a slice.good times
theunknownsceptic
Poor man, this is not the same world you used to know It's been 11 years already since I first listened to this song, time flies!!!
Nigel Fortune
Greatly underrated band. Radioheads equals.
Willow234
Man this is an old favourite. Song is incredible and the video is a work of art
Sam Haynes Music
i have no idea why Paul doesn't like this one I think its awesome!! video is great too :)
Johnny Connelly
In a parallel universe somewhere Mansun are the greatest band in the world..
Dave Cook
BRILLIANT.Remember this video from the time.Just found it.Great tune too.
سيدي محمد المغربي
I'm a Muslim, I love Jesus I love this song, I love British rock, I love you from Morocco 🇲🇦💗🇬🇧