She now resides in Monaco and has recently sold her London apartment. Many of its furnishings were auctioned for charity. Two very popular 'Audiences With Shirley Bassey' have aired on British TV, the most recent being in March 2006.
In 2006, UK retailer Marks and Spencer hired Bassey for their Christmas advertising campaign, with Dame Shirley singing a cover of P!nk's 'Get the Party Started'.
In late 2009 Bassey released 'The Performance' her first studio album for two decades, which was released in a maelstrom of anticipation. Still popular well into one of the longest and most illustrious musical careers in British and indeed international history, Bassey is considered by Brits to be a national treasure.
What Kind Of Fool Am I
Shirley Bassey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who never fell in love?
It seems that I'm the only one
That I have been thinking of
What kind of (man) girl am I?
An empty shell
A lonely cell in which
What kind of lips are these
that lied with every kiss?
that whispered empty words of love
that left me alone like this?
Why can't I fall in love
like other people can?
And maybe then I'll know
what kind of fool I am!
What kind of clown am I?
What do I know of life?
Why can't I cast away the mask of play
And live my life?
Why can't I fall in love
'Til I don't give a damn?
And maybe then I'll know
What kind of fool I am!
The song "What Kind of Fool Am I" is a ballad by Shirley Bassey that speaks to the feeling of being left alone and unloved. The lyrics explore the singer's self-doubt and self-pity, as she asks herself why she has not been able to experience the emotional connection of love like others seem to have. She wonders what kind of fool she is to have never fallen in love, and questions whether she is capable of finding love at all. The lyrics also touch upon themes of loneliness and self-discovery, as the singer seeks to understand herself and her place in the world.
The first verse of the song addresses the singer's inability to find love, and expresses her sense of isolation and self-absorption. She wonders why she is the only one she thinks about and why she has not been able to experience the joy of falling in love. The second verse delves deeper into the singer's self-doubt, describing herself as an "empty shell" with an "empty heart." She questions her own sincerity and honesty, suggesting that her lips have deceived her and others in the past.
The third verse asks why the singer cannot fall in love like others can, and suggests that if she were able to, she would finally understand what kind of fool she is. The final verse touches upon the idea that the singer is playing a role as a clown or performer, but wants to cast off this mask and live an authentic life. The song ends with a plea to fall in love and finally know what kind of fool she is.
Line by Line Meaning
What kind of fool am I
What kind of (man) girl am I?
Who never fell in love?
An empty shell who has never experienced love
It seems that I'm the only one
I am consumed by thoughts of myself and my loneliness
That I have been thinking of
I cannot escape my own thoughts of inadequacy and emptiness
What kind of lips are these
What kind of deceitful mouth do I possess
that lied with every kiss?
That has misled others with empty promises of love
that whispered empty words of love
That has spoken meaningless words of affection
that left me alone like this?
That has left me in this desolate and isolated state
Why can't I fall in love
Why am I unable to experience romantic love
like other people can?
Like those around me seem to be able to do with ease
And maybe then I'll know
Perhaps if I could fall in love, I would finally understand
What kind of fool I am!
The kind of foolish person I currently am
What kind of clown am I?
What kind of silly and foolish person am I?
What do I know of life?
I am ignorant and inexperienced in matters of life
Why can't I cast away the mask of play
Why can't I stop pretending and acting the fool
And live my life?
And start truly living and experiencing life
‘Til I don't give a damn?
Until I am indifferent and unafraid
Contributed by Tyler I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.