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
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 lyrics to "If You Gotta Make a Fool" by The Artwoods speak of the pains of being heartbroken and abandoned. The singer asks the person who hurt them if they had to go to such great lengths to make a fool of someone. The lyrics are powerful as they reflect the vulnerability of the singer who is left to wonder why they are being mistreated. The message is clear, that it is easy to make a fool of someone, but the consequences of one's actions can have a lasting impact on the people they choose to hurt.

The opening line sets the tone for the song, with the singer questioning the motives of their partner. The lyrics are somber, yet catchy, and the melody creates a melancholic atmosphere that adds depth to the song. The chorus reiterates the pain and hurt that the singer has endured, as they question why they are left to suffer alone. The bridge explains the singer's willingness to wait for their partner, affirming their love and commitment.

Overall, the lyrics to "If You Gotta Make a Fool" are powerful and reflective of the true emotions one goes through during a heartbreak. It is a reminder that our actions can profoundly affect those closest to us.

Line by Line Meaning

If you got to make a fool of somebody
If you feel the need to humiliate someone

If you got to make a fool of someone
If you must make someone look foolish

Do you really gotta hurt me
Is it necessary for you to cause me pain

I'm the one that'll worry about you
I'll always be concerned about your well-being

Daytime nitetime
During the day or night

Anytime at all
At literally any time

I'll be there waiting
I'll be patiently anticipating your call

Anytime you call
Whenever you contact me

Just to be near you
Being in your presence is enough for me

You know
You're aware

That anywhere I'll go
I'll travel to wherever you are