What a fool believes

The Doobie Brothers' classic hit 'What a Fool Believes' delves into the theme of unrequited love and the self-deception that often accompanies it. The song tells the story of a man who clings to a romanticized version of the past, believing that there is still a chance for a relationship with a woman who has long since moved on. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who is unable to accept the reality of the situation, instead choosing to live in a nostalgic fantasy where the woman still holds a place for him in her life.

The chorus of the song, 'But what a fool believes he sees / No wise man has the power to reason away,' suggests that love and emotion can cloud one's judgment to the point where they are unable to see the truth. The fool in the song is so convinced of his own narrative that not even the wisest person could convince him otherwise. This speaks to the universal experience of denial and the lengths to which people will go to avoid facing painful truths.

Musically, 'What a Fool Believes' is characterized by its smooth, soft rock sound that was typical of the Doobie Brothers' style in the late 1970s. The song's catchy melody and soulful vocals helped it to become a chart-topping hit and a staple of the era. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the relatable nature of its lyrics, as many listeners have found themselves in similar situations of unrequited love and the struggle to let go of what cannot be.