Big Fool
Ronnie Self Lyrics

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.