Englishman Chris Rea has had many hits in the UK, but he is known as one hit wonder here in the States with this Top 15 hit. This tune was even nominated for a Grammy for Record of the Year, so Chris’ future sure looked good in 1978. Gus Dudgeon, who produced many of Elton John’s early 70s hits, laid his hands on this one. But it seems that Chris & Gus did not get along, so much so that Chris rerecorded Fool in 1988 and has kept the original out of print. Supposedly he hated the original mix, but listening to the newer version, I don’t notice a difference except that the 1988 version is glossier. I wonder what the deeper story about that album experience is.

I always dug the drum machine little bossa nova groove that sits under this tune and gave it this cool shuffle. On the surface I always thought this was just a break-up song told from an onlooker’s point of view. But of course I dug deeper into the lyrics and now I have more questions.

Chris talks about witnessing “miss teenage dream” going through the heartache of getting dumped, reminding her only an idiot would “do that to you”. But rather than offer some other words of comfort, he adds, “Fool, if you think it’s over, it’s just begun.” as in, ‘get ready to have this happen multiple times.’ Needless to say he wasn’t invited to any counselor banquets.

Ok so Chris is a realist. And a downer. But what do you make of this?

I’ll buy your first good wine
We’ll have a real good time

Is he planning on getting this girl drunk? Does having ‘ a real good time’ include a ride to a hot pillow motel out on Route 9 for 45 minutes? Remember he’s already established that he’s talking to a teenager. Don’t know what the laws are in England, but it’s a felony over here, Chris. Man what is it with guys writing song about teenage girls in the 70s?