The Artwoods were formed in 1963, and over the next two years became an ext… Read Full Bio ↴The Artwoods were formed in 1963, and over the next two years became an extremely popular live attraction, rivaling groups such as the Animals, although, despite releasing a clutch of singles and an album, their record sales never reflected this popularity. Singer Arthur Wood, from whom the band took their name, was the elder brother of The Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood. He had been a vocalist with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated for a short period during 1962, simultaneously fronting his own group, the Art Wood Combo..

When keyboardist Jon Lord and guitarist Derek Griffiths joined from Red Bludd's Bluesicians they re-christened themselves the Artwoods. Keef Hartley, formerly with Rory Storm & The Hurricanes, joined on drums in '64 and the band turned professional, secured a residency at London's 100 Club and gained a recording contract with Decca Records.

The intended debut single, a cover of Muddy Waters' "Hoochie Coochie Man" was shelved in favour of a version of an old Leadbelly song, Sweet Mary". Although it didn't reach the Charts it got sufficient airplay to bring them a lot of live work, including an appearance on the first live edition of Ready Steady Go! The second record, "Oh My Love", was another blues cover. Like its predecessor, and subsequent releases, it failed to chart.

The Artwoods were dropped by Decca at the end of 1966 and signed a one record deal with Parlophone, but "What Shall I Do" also flopped. Later in 1967 a final "one-off" single appeared on Fontana under the name "St. Valentine's Day Massacre" but by the time of its release the Artwoods had effectively ceased to exist.

The Artwoods' early records today stand up well against the work of more successful groups such as the Rolling Stones, the Yardbirds or ironically, the Birds, who included Art's younger brother Ron. But at the time they came out, despite appearances on programs like Ready, Steady, Go! their singles never seemed to connect with the record-buying public. In live performance, on the other hand, it was a different matter. They had a virtuoso lineup, Lord's piano and organ sound was a great complement to Wood's singing, Griffith's guitar work was tastefully flashy, and Keef Hartley was animated as well as powerful, with a big sound on the drums. Club audiences always knew they were good for a great show and the band loved playing live. Ultimately, in fact, the group's success in touring and their love of playing live may have hurt them.

The group broke up in mid '67 with Hartley going on to play with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers,Malcolm Pool played with Colosseum and Lord becoming a founder member of Deep Purple.

If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody
The Artwoods Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If you got to make a fool of somebody
If you got to make a fool of someone
Do you really gotta hurt me
I'm the one that'll worry about you

Daytime nitetime
Anytime at all
I'll be there waiting

Anytime you call
Just to be near you
You know

That anywhere I'll go
How could you hurt me so

Overall Meaning

The Artwoods's song "If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody" is a lament about the pain caused by a lover who wants to humiliate and make a fool of someone, and the emotional damage that leaves behind. The lyrics evoke the singer's desperate appeal to this person, asking them if they really have to hurt them in this way, given the depth of feeling and investment they've made in the relationship. This is a song that speaks to the fragility of love and the vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to another person.

The opening line of the song sets the tone for the rest of it, expressing an incredible amount of pain and vulnerability; "If you gotta make a fool of somebody, if you gotta make a fool of someone" are the words that the singer hears from their partner. The singer then goes on to question their lover, asking them whether or not they really need to cause them so much emotional pain. This sentiment is echoed in the chorus, where the singer admits that they will "worry about you" no matter what happens.

Line by Line Meaning

If you got to make a fool of somebody
If you feel like you need to humiliate someone or take advantage of them

If you got to make a fool of someone
If you feel like you need to embarrass someone or take them for granted

Do you really gotta hurt me
Do you really need to cause me pain or discomfort?

I'm the one that'll worry about you
I'm the one who cares, even if you don't

Daytime nitetime
During the day or at night

Anytime at all
At any time of the day or night, regardless of other commitments

I'll be there waiting
I'll be around, anticipating your call or visit

Anytime you call
Whenever you need me, I'll be available

Just to be near you
I simply want to be close to you, wherever you go

You know
You're aware and understand what I'm saying

That anywhere I'll go
No matter where you are, I'm willing to follow you