“What a Fool Believes” is a quintessential soft-rock ballad by the iconic American band, The Doobie Brothers. Originally conceived by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins, the song emerged as a defining track on the band’s 1978 album, *Minute by Minute*. The Doobie Brothers, known for their evolution from blues-rock to a more sophisticated, jazzy sound led by McDonald’s soulful vocals, had already secured their place in music history. This transition proved incredibly successful, cementing their mainstream appeal and earning them numerous accolades. The band’s consistent chart success, including hits like “Listen to the Music” and “Long Train Runnin’,” paved the way for “What a Fool Believes” to soar.
The song delves into the complexities of misinterpreting romantic signals and the painful reality of unrequited love. It tells the story of a man who believes he has a chance with a woman from his past, clinging to a superficial connection despite the clear signs that she doesn’t reciprocate his feelings. His delusion, captured in the poignant lyric “What a fool believes, he sees,” highlights the human tendency to construct narratives that comfort us, even when those narratives are detached from reality.
Upon its release, “What a Fool Believes” resonated deeply with audiences, catapulting to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979. Its smooth melody, combined with the relatable theme of romantic delusion, struck a chord with listeners, contributing to its enduring popularity. Critics lauded the song for its sophisticated arrangement, McDonald’s powerful vocals, and Loggins’s lyrical contributions. The song’s success was further solidified by its win at the 1980 Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Record of the Year, cementing its place as a classic in the American songbook and a testament to The Doobie Brothers’ versatility and musical prowess.