His music today is more popular within the rockabilly scene than it ever has been in the past. Many of his recordings can be heard at record hops today and some of his big songs are:
"Ain't I'm A Dog "
"Flame Of Love"
"Bop-A-Lena"
"You're So Right For Me"
Big Fool
Ronnie Self Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Big fool, that's me
Well, you told me that you loved me
Then you walked out on me
Big fool, that's me
Big fool, that's me
You're drivin' me crazy
Can't you see what you're doin' to me
Well, you gave me your lovin'
And you know it wasn't true
Can't you see what you're doin'
You got me walkin' and talkin' like a fool
Big fool, that's you
Big fool, that's you
I was a big fool
But now the big fool is you
Big fool, that's me
Big fool, that's me
You told me that you loved me
Then you walked out on me
Big fool, that's me
Big fool, that's me
Well, you're drivin' me crazy
Can't you see what you're doin' to me
Well, you gave me your lovin'
And you know it wasn't true
Can't you see what you're doin'
You got me walkin' and talkin' like a fool
Big fool, that's you
Big fool, that's you
I was a big fool
But now the big fool is you
Well, I was a big fool
But now the big fool is you
Yeah, I was a big fool
But now the big fool is you
Well, I was a bïg fool...
In "Big Fool," Ronnie Self sings about the heartbreak he experienced when a person he loved left him. The lyrics are straightforward and emphasize the feelings of hurt and confusion that arise from being deceived in a romantic relationship. The song's theme is common in country music, but Self's delivery is extraordinary, with his vocal performance displaying vulnerability and sadness. Self's lyrics imply that he gave his all to this person and, in doing so, became a "big fool." He tells the listener that his significant other told him she loved him but then walked out on him, leaving him feeling foolish for ever trusting her.
There's a sense of desperation in the song that's heightened by the repetition of the phrase "Big fool, that's me," which he uses to describe himself. The song's simple structure, coupled with the repetition of the chorus, creates an easy-to-remember tune that is sure to become an instant country classic.
One of the interesting facts about this song is that it was covered in 1961 by Doug Sahm's band, the Sir Douglas Quintet, adapting it to their Tex-Mex style. Although Sahm's cover failed to find a wide audience, his band became well-known and successful within the Texas music scene. Another interesting fact is Ronnie Self wrote the song at the suggestion of Elvis Presley's manager, Colonel Tom Parker. Self wrote the song quickly and played it for Parker over the phone, and Parker suggested he record it.
Line by Line Meaning
Big fool, that's me
I realize that I was foolish in trusting you
Well, you told me that you loved me
You deceived me by claiming your affection for me
Then you walked out on me
You abandoned me after exploiting my emotions
You're drivin' me crazy
Your actions are causing me immense distress
Can't you see what you're doin' to me
Do you not understand the pain you're inflicting on me?
Well, you gave me your lovin'
You pretended to give me affection
And you know it wasn't true
You were consciously deceiving me
You got me walkin' and talkin' like a fool
Your actions have made me appear foolish to others
Big fool, that's you
You are the one who should be ashamed of being foolish
I was a big fool
I admit my own naivety
But now the big fool is you
You are the one who has been exposed as a fool
Contributed by Christian A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gary Morris
Love Ronnie Self! Thanks for posting one of his coolest sounds.
superfastmike howard
this guy was the best,
Chance Watkins
Awesome. Thanks for sharing; Jesus Christ Bless. : )
Sleepy S
I had this 45 in 1965. Loved him. I think the flip side was Ain't I'm A Dog
top top
Didi S brenda lee sweet n thins
Sleepy S
+ausfan100 thank you. I have on my side that I was very young. The memory isn't what it used to be. LOL
ausfan100
+Didi S - No, the flip side of this was "FLAME OF LOVE". "Ain't I'm A Dog" was the follow-up, b/w "Rocky Road Blues".
superfastmike howard
is the best
bellgardens53
This one is ok but I really do love his faster ones. They are baaaaad.
SuperCrackerjacks
On guitar Paul burlison or Thomas grady. Ha ha