About the song
“Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” isn’t just a catchy song title; it’s a universal truth captured in a melody that resonated with audiences in 1960 and continues to do so today. Written by Jack Keller and Howard Greenfield, the song found its perfect voice in the soulful stylings of Connie Francis.
Originally intended as a B-side, “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” surprised everyone by becoming a chart-topping sensation. Francis’s version, with its distinct organ introduction and bluesy ballad arrangement, captivated listeners with its poignant lyrics about heartbreak and vulnerability. The song resonated particularly with women, making Francis the first female artist to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
However, the story of “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” doesn’t begin with Francis. There’s an earlier version, a lesser-known gem written by Ace Adams and Regina Adams. This version, popularized by Little Jimmy Scott in 1950, shared the same theme but with a slightly different musical approach. Interestingly, both versions have been covered by a wide range of artists throughout the years, with renditions by music legends like Michael Jackson, Etta James, and LaVern Baker.
The success of “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” transcended borders. Francis released a German version titled “Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel” that became a number one hit in West Germany in 1960. The song also topped charts in Norway and Australia, proving its universal appeal.
While the charts may have shifted and musical styles have evolved, the sentiment behind “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” remains timeless. The song reminds us that love can leave us vulnerable, and that sometimes, we all find ourselves heartbroken. But it’s also a reminder that this vulnerability is a shared experience, a truth that connects us all – because, after all, everybody is somebody’s fool.
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Lyrics
The tears I cried for you could fill an ocean
But you don’t care how many tears I cry
And though you only lead me on and hurt me
I couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye
‘Cause everybody’s somebody’s fool
Everybody’s somebody’s baby
And there are no exceptions to the rule
Yes, everybody’s somebody’s fool
I told myself it’s best that I forget you
Though I’m a fool, at least I know the score
Yet darlin’, I’d be twice as blue without you
It hurts, but I’d come running back for more
‘Cause everybody’s somebody’s fool
Everybody’s somebody’s baby
And there are no exceptions to the rule
Yes, everybody’s somebody’s fool
Someday you’ll find someone you really care for
And if her love should prove to be untrue
You’ll know how much this heart of my is breakin’
You’ll cry for her the way I cried for you
Yes, everybody’s somebody’s fool
Everybody’s somebody’s baby
And there are no exceptions to the rule
Yes, everybody’s somebody’s fool