Chain Of Fools
Tony Joe White Lyrics


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Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
(Chain of fools)
For five long years
I thought you were my man
But I found out, I'm just a link in your chain
Oh, you got me where you want me
I ain't nothin' but your fool
Ya treated me mean
Oh you treated me cruel

Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain
Chain of fools)

Every chain, has got a weak link
I might be weak child, but I'll give you strength
Oh, babe
(Woo, woo, woo, woo)
You told me to leave you alone
(Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo)
My father said 'Come on home'
(Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo)
My doctor said 'Take it easy'
(Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo)
Oh but your lovin is just too strong
(Ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo)
I'm added to your
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools

Oh, one of these mornings
The chain is gonna break
But up until the day
I'm gonna take all I can take, oh babe

Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
(Chain of fools)

Oh!
(Chain, chain, chain, chain, chain, chain, chain)
(Chain, chain, chain)
Oh-oh!




(Chain, chain, chain, -ain, ain, ain, ain)
Your chain of fools

Overall Meaning

The song "Chain of Fools" by Tony Joe White is a classic soul tune released in 1968. The song's lyrics speak to the experience of being in a manipulative and abusive relationship, where the singer is constantly being pulled and pushed around like a link in a chain. The refrain of "chain, chain, chain" becomes more and more insistent throughout the song, adding to the sense of being trapped and unable to escape the cycle of abuse.


The first verse lays out the history of the relationship, with the singer believing that they were in a committed and loving partnership for five long years. However, they eventually realize that they were just another link in their partner's "chain of fools," being used and abused without any real agency in the relationship. The second verse flips the script slightly, with the singer acknowledging that even though they may be the "weak link" in the chain, they still have strength to speak out and rebel against their partner's mistreatment.


The bridge of the song provides a wider perspective, with the singer listing all of the people in their life who have tried to intervene and help them leave the relationship. However, they are ultimately unable to resist the pull of their partner's "lovin" and remain trapped in the chain of abuse. The song ends on a hopeful but bittersweet note, with the singer recognizing that the chain will eventually break but also acknowledging that they will continue to suffer until that day comes.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc., SPRINGTIME MUSIC INC
Written by: Aretha Franklin, Don Covay

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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