Formed around the partnership of Lowe with Edmunds, the two musicians inspired by melodic 50s and 60s rock n roll, the band took its name from the title of a 1972 album by Edmunds. Rockpile was primarily known as a backup group to those two artists' solo projects. However, the band did release one official album, titled 'Seconds of Pleasure' in 1980, which spawned the minor hit "Teacher Teacher" while also receiving strong critical praise. In August of that year, the guys played the noted Heatwave festival near Toronto, and the group additionally made their only American television appearance on the ABC variety program 'Fridays'. The band broke up in 1981.
Fool Too Long
Rockpile Lyrics
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When you told me that you loved me but you didn't any more
You ran around with anyone all behind my back
You asked me to forgive you I went and took you back
Well I thought you learned your lesson then
But now I see it happen again
And I've been a fool too long
I've been a fool too long
And I ain't gonna be a fool no more
I should have seen the signs babe the writing on the wall
When all those other guys started coming round to call
You told me that you changed but that was just a lie
When you said I was your only I was just another guy
Well if I'm the one who pays the rent
I gotta have one hundred percent
Cos I've been a fool too long
I had you figured out all wrong
I've been a fool too long
And I ain't gonna be a fool no more
In "Fool Too Long," Rockpile reflects on the classic theme of love and heartbreak. The verses suggest the singer's regret, as he recounts how he was blinded by his lover's words and actions. The lines "When you told me that you loved me but you didn't anymore / You asked me to forgive you I went and took you back" epitomize the singer's naivety and willingness to forgive, despite being treated unfairly. As the song progresses, the singer becomes more self-aware, realizing that his lover had been unfaithful and dishonest. He confesses how he misjudged his lover, saying "I had you figured out all wrong" and how he had ignored the warning signs.
The chorus acts as a declaration of independence as the singer refuses to be a victim of his lover's deception. He acknowledges his foolishness for staying with someone who has betrayed him before and declares "I ain't gonna be a fool no more." The song ends with the singer being resolute about not trusting his partner again, warning them that they are on their own. The lyrics in the song are simple but expressive, portraying a story of a person who learned a hard lesson from love and is determined never to be a fool again.
Line by Line Meaning
I should have realised babe a long time ago
I should have been aware of your true intentions a long time ago
When you told me that you loved me but you didn't any more
When you said you loved me, but you actually did not
You ran around with anyone all behind my back
You cheated on me with other people without me knowing
You asked me to forgive you I went and took you back
You asked for forgiveness and I gave you another chance
Well I thought you learned your lesson then
I believed you had learned from your past mistakes
But now I see it happen again
But now I see you repeating your mistakes
And I've been a fool too long
I've been foolish for too long
I had you figured out all wrong
I had misunderstood your true nature
And I ain't gonna be a fool no more
I will not be foolish anymore
I should have seen the signs babe the writing on the wall
I should have noticed the warning signs all around me
When all those other guys started coming round to call
When other men began showing interest in you
You told me that you changed but that was just a lie
You claimed to have changed, but it was not true
When you said I was your only I was just another guy
When you said I was your only, I was just another person to you
Well if I'm the one who pays the rent
If I am the one who pays for everything
I gotta have one hundred percent
I expect complete honesty and loyalty
Contributed by Sebastian E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.