The Doobie Brothers were an iconic sound in the late 70’s. Every radio station was playing their music. They embodied a smooth rock vibe that had elements of jazz and blues. The smokey warm voice of Michael McDonald, the keyboard forward sound, and the snappy beat all contributed to a grammy winning song of the year with “What A Fool Believes”. Interestingly, it was the only non-disco song presented in 1980. But as I listen now, I hear such a fun danceable vibe to this tune. Timeless in its appeal. This is a tune you should hear today.
Beginning as a rock band with elements of folk, country, and R&B they came into Billboard, Grammy recognition with the addition of Michael McDonald and his sexy, soulful influence. They have sold 40 million albums over their career. If you think their name is a crazy play on words, think again. It is exactly what it is.
“We had a guy in the house who said, ‘Why don’t you call yourself the Doobie Brothers because you’re always smoking’,” Johnston told the Minnesota Daily. “Everybody looked at each other and said, ‘Well that’s really a stupid name.’”
Oddly, the name stuck. Originally they went by the name Pud. Almost 50 years later, their music still stands up. With many hits over the years, this tune totally resonates with me, due to its reference to a nostalgic remembrance of a past love. Don’t we all question what happened and why? So relatable.
The Doobie Brothers-What A Fool Believes
“He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don’t see tryin’ hard to recreate
What had yet to be created once in her life
She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale
Never comin’ near what he wanted to say
Only to realize it never really wasShe had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He’s watchin’ her goWhat a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
And nothing at allKeeps sending him somewhere back in her long ago
Where he can still believe there’s a place in her life
Someday, somewhere, she will returnShe had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He’s watchin’ her goWhat a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
(If love can come an’ love can go)
(Why can’t love be ?)
Is always better than nothing
(Ooo, )
And nothing at all
(Oh my)What a fool believes he sees
(He believes he’s never gone away)
No wise man has the power to reason away
(To reason)
To reason away
(Oh if love can come an’ love can go)
What seems to be
(Oh my love)
Is always better than nothing
(Better than nothing)
Nothing at all
(Oh my love)”
