Chain Of Fools
The Commitments Lyrics

Chain chain chains
Repetitive statement emphasizing the theme of chains and their oppressive nature

Chain of fools
Reference to the metaphorical chains of a relationship, where one party is being taken advantage of

For five long years
Duration of the relationship being referenced

I thought you were my man
Assumption of the artist about the nature of their relationship

But I found out
Shift in the artist's understanding of their relationship

I'm just a link in your chain
Realization by the singer that they are being manipulated and controlled by their partner

You got me where you want me
Admission by the singer that they are in a vulnerable state in the relationship

"Got me where you want me"
Repeating the line emphasizes the artist's lack of control in the relationship

You got your fool
Acknowledgment by the artist that they have been manipulated into a subservient role

You treated me mean
Description of the partner's behavior towards the artist

Oh babe you treated me cruel
Emphasis on the severity of the partner's actions towards the singer

Now every chain
Observation by the artist about the nature of relationships

Has got a weak link
Acknowledgment that every chain is susceptible to being broken

I might be weak child
Admission by the singer that they are not as strong as their partner

Oh but I gave you strength
Recounting of the singer's contribution to the relationship

Now you tell me to leave you alone
Partner's request for space from the relationship

My Popa said, come on home
Advice given by the artist's father to return home

My doctor says, take it easy
Advice given by the singer's doctor to take things slow and care for oneself

But your lovin' is a much too strong
Acknowledgment by the singer that they are unable to resist the partner's attraction

I'm wedded to ya
Declaration of the artist's attachment to the partner, regardless of the challenges in the relationship

One of these mornings
Foreshadowing of the end of the relationship

That chain is goin'a break
Prediction of the end of the relationship

But up until the-hen
Clarification that the singer will continue to persevere in the relationship until the end

I'm goin'a take all I can take
Emphasis on the artist's determination to endure despite the difficulties of the relationship