About the song
“Poor Little Fool” isn’t just a catchy song; it’s a piece of pop music history. Released in 1958, it became the very first number one song on Billboard’s brand new Hot 100 chart. But the story behind the song is just as fascinating as its chart-topping success.
The songwriter, Sharon Sheeley, was only 15 years old when heartbreak fueled her creativity. Inspired by a brief romance with Don Everly of the Everly Brothers, she poured her disappointment into the lyrics. The song, originally much faster than the recorded version, captured the sting of young love gone wrong.
Determined to get her song heard, Sheeley took an unconventional approach. She drove to teen idol Ricky Nelson’s house, claiming car trouble. Nelson, known for his good manners, helped her out, and Sheeley seized the opportunity to present him with “Poor Little Fool.”
Nelson liked the song but slowed down the tempo, giving it a more melancholic feel. Released as part of an EP, “Poor Little Fool” quickly gained traction. Radio play skyrocketed, and fans clamored for a single release. However, Nelson, unhappy with the decision to release a single separate from the EP, refused to choose a photo for the single’s cover art. As a result, “Poor Little Fool” became the only Ricky Nelson single released in the US without a picture sleeve, a unique mark in pop music history.
The song’s success transcended its chart-topping status. It became an anthem for teenagers navigating the complexities of love and loss. With its relatable lyrics and catchy melody, “Poor Little Fool” resonated with a generation, leaving a lasting impact on the landscape of pop music.
This introduction provides a broader context for the song, highlighting its historical significance, the young songwriter’s story, and the unique circumstances surrounding its release. It also emphasizes the song’s emotional resonance with teenagers and its lasting influence.
Video
Lyrics
I used to play around with hearts
That hastened at my call
But when I met that little girl
I knew that I would fall
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
She’d play around and tease me
With her carefree devil eyes
She’d hold me close and kiss me
But her heart was full of lies
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
She told me how she cared for me
And that we’d never part
And so for the very first time
I gave away my heart
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
The next day she was gone
And I knew she’d lied to me
She left me with a broken heart
And won her victory
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
Well, I played this game with other hearts
But I never thought I’d see
The day when someone else would play
Love’s foolish game with me
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(Poor little fool)