In 1981, Cetera released his first solo album on Warner Bros. Records. The album was a commercial failure, which Cetera has attributed to Warner Bros.' refusal to promote him as a solo artist out of fear that he would leave Chicago, who had only recently signed with the label.
In 1985, Cetera was interested in recording another solo album. He had stated his lack of interest for the extensive touring schedule of the band. When the 17 Tour concluded in late-April 1985, Chicago's management, along with several members of the band, had expressed a desire to book another tour for that summer and start work on the next Chicago album.
Cetera insisted that they take a break from touring so that he could concentrate on a solo album and spend more time with his family. After the band rejected his offer to stay in the band while recording a solo album, it was announced that Cetera and Chicago would go their separate ways in July 1985.
Almost immediately, Cetera continued his streak of success. His first single, "Glory of Love" (the theme to the movie The Karate Kid, Part II), was a US No. 1 hit in 1986, and achieved similar success throughout the world.
He has many hits, such as:
1982 - "Livin' In The Limelight" #6 (Mainstream Rock) US
1986 - "Glory of Love" #1 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #3 UK (also appears on the soundtrack to The Karate Kid, Part II)
1986 - "The Next Time I Fall" (with Amy Grant) #1 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #78 UK
1987 - "Only Love Knows Why" #24 (Adult Contemporary) US
1987 - "I Wasn't the One (Who Said Goodbye)" (with Agnetha Fältskog) #93 US, #19 (Adult Contemporary) US
1988 - "One Good Woman" #4 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US, #82 UK
1992 - "Restless Heart" #35 US, #1 (Adult Contemporary) US
1993 - "Even A Fool Can See" #68 US, #3 (Adult Contemporary) US
1995 - "(I Wanna Take) Forever Tonight" (with Crystal Bernard) #86 US, #22 (Adult Contemporary) US
1997 - "Do You Love Me That Much" #6 (Adult Contemporary) US
Even a Fool Can See
Peter Cetera Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Together the rest of our lives
As far as our friends were concerned
Everything seemed right
But that's when she told me
She said me it was time to move on
Just something that she kept inside
And now I can't believe
I can't believe it's over
Suddenly it's plain to see
She's leaving me and
Even a fool can see
There's nothing left between us
I knew all along something was wrong
But I did my best to deny it
And now I can't go home
She wants to be alone so
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Even a fool can see
There were times we had nothing
And somehow we laughed through it all
There are moments I'll never forget
And some I wouldn't care to recall
And still I can't believe
I can't believe it's over
Suddenly it's plain to see
She's doesn't need me
Even a fool can see
There's nothing left between us
I knew all along something was wrong
But I did my best to deny it
And now I can't go home
She wants to be alone so
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Even a fool can see
Nothing more to talk about
It's over when it's over
In the end you both stop trying
In the end it's oh so sad
And you are crying
And now I can't go home
She wants to be alone so
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Even a fool can see
Won't ya tell me that I'm alright
Even a fool like me
Woo ooo I'm alright
Even a fool can see
Whoa ooo ooo ooo
The lyrics of Even a Fool Can See by Peter Cetera tackle the ending of a long-term relationship. The couple appeared to be happy and content, but one day the woman informs the singer it's time to move on. Although he sensed that there was something wrong, he ignored the signs and chose to deny the deteriorating condition of their bond. As the song progresses, the singer laments that "nothing's left between us." He recalls the good and bad times they shared and recognizes that now it's best to stop trying. He asks someone to tell anybody else who misses him that he's alright, even though he's brokenhearted.
The song's message may resonate with individuals who have experienced the disintegration of a long-lasting relationship. The singer reflects on how even when times were tough, they still managed to laugh together, but things have changed, and there's nothing left to talk about or fix. The song suggests how a relationship can deteriorate, and even with denial, it might fall apart if one of the partners decides to move on. The singer's inability to go home and his lover's request to be alone intensifies the sadness and the finality of the situation.
Line by Line Meaning
One big happy family
We were a close and affectionate group.
Together the rest of our lives
We had planned on being together forever.
As far as our friends were concerned
Our friends thought everything between us was fine.
Everything seemed right
We seemed like a perfect match.
But that's when she told me
However, she revealed something to me.
She said me it was time to move on
She told me that it was time for us to break up.
Just something that she kept inside
She had been hiding her feelings for a while.
That told me the thrill was gone
That made me realize that the excitement in our relationship was gone.
And now I can't believe
I am in disbelief.
I can't believe it's over
Our relationship has ended.
Suddenly it's plain to see
It has become clear to me that she is leaving me.
She's leaving me and
She is abandoning me.
Even a fool can see
It's obvious to anyone, even someone who is not very wise.
There's nothing left between us
Our relationship is completely over.
I knew all along something was wrong
Deep down, I had a feeling that something was not right.
But I did my best to deny it
However, I tried to ignore my suspicions.
And now I can't go home
I cannot return to where we used to live together.
She wants to be alone so
She desires solitude and separation from me.
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Inform anyone who asks that I am doing okay.
Even a fool can see
It is so obvious that even someone who is not very intelligent can see it.
There were times we had nothing
We faced hardships and had little to our name.
And somehow we laughed through it all
Despite our difficulties, we still found happiness and joy together.
There are moments I'll never forget
We had some unforgettable experiences.
And some I wouldn't care to recall
And some painful or difficult memories that I would prefer not to remember.
She doesn't need me
She no longer requires my love or companionship.
Nothing more to talk about
There is nothing left to say to each other.
It's over when it's over
Our relationship is finished when both parties agree it is.
In the end you both stop trying
Eventually, both individuals lose the motivation to work on the relationship.
In the end it's oh so sad
Ultimately, it's a tragic situation.
And you are crying
Both individuals feel sadness and pain in the end.
Won't ya tell me that I'm alright
Can someone please assure me that I am okay?
Even a fool like me
Even someone as simple as me can recognize that the relationship has ended.
Woo ooo I'm alright
I am doing okay despite the breakup.
Whoa ooo ooo ooo
Musical interlude.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER CETERA, MARK GOLDENBERG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Valerie Ann
Even A Fool Can See
Peter Cetera
One big happy family
Together the rest of our lives
As far as our friends were concerned
Everything seemed right
But that's when she told me
She said me it was time to move on
Just something that she kept inside
That told me the thrill was gone
And now I can't believe
I can't believe it's over
Suddenly it's plain to see
She's leaving me and
Even a fool can see
There's nothing left between us
I knew all along something was wrong
But I did my best to deny it
And now I can't go home
She wants to be alone so
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Even a fool can see
There were times we had nothing
And somehow we laughed through it all
There are moments I'll never forget
And some I wouldn't care to recall
And still I can't believe
I can't believe it's over
Suddenly it's plain to see
She's doesn't need me
Even a fool can see
There's nothing left between us
I knew all along something was wrong
But I did my best to deny it
And now I can't go home
She wants to be alone so
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Even a fool can see
Nothing more to talk about
It's over when it's over
In the end you both stop trying
In the end it's oh so sad
And you are crying
And now I can't go home
She wants to be alone so
Tell anyone who misses me that I'm alright
Even a fool can see
Won't ya tell me that I'm alright
Even a fool like me
Woo ooo I'm alright
Even a fool can see
Whoa ooo ooo ooo
Songwriters: PETER CETERA, MARK GOLDENBERG
Mariana Jacopinelli
Amo todas as músicas dele, maravilhoso!😍😍
O fio
Você tem bom gosto Mariana, Peter Cetera canta muito !
Javier Calvillo
Exelente voz de peter cetera exelente musica para siempre.
Xennial Hipster Bern
I actually remember this as a kid in 1993 on AC and pop radio stations, might be Mr. Cetera's best solo song, love the melodies. Shame that so much of this guy's music is underappreciated.
Joshua Echt
@Xennial Hipster Bern I wish they had played more Chicago 21 songs live. I also love things off of Solitude/Solitaire, etc.
Dave Micklon
Third single after Restless Heart (Summer 1992) and Feels Like Heaven (Fall 1992/Winter 1993). Lots of play in both spring and summer 1993.
Xennial Hipster Bern
the album is, but I recall it getting played in early '93 (think it was the 2nd or 3rd single).
Knight Rider2018
The song is from 1992
Xennial Hipster Bern
One of the most for sure. :) Most of his solo music seems to be obscure and forgotten, I even prefer it to the music he did with Chicago.
Mariana Voliotis
Maravilhosa.... simplesmente, maravilhosa 🤩