Meaning of "What a Fool Believes" by Aretha Franklin

"What a Fool Believes" by Aretha Franklin explores the theme of denial and delusion in relationships. The lyrics illustrate a man's persistent hope for a place in a woman's life, even though she has moved on and no longer feels the same way. The song suggests that this hope is foolish and futile, as the man refuses to accept the truth and instead clings to a narrative that exists only in his mind. The phrase "what seems to be is always better than nothing" reflects the man's willingness to settle for an illusion rather than facing the reality of the situation.

The lyrics shed light on the human tendency to create false narratives and hold onto them, even when they are clearly not based in reality. This can be seen in the lines "The sentimental fools don't see tryin' hard to recreate what had yet to be created once in her life." The man is trying to recreate a connection that never truly existed, clinging to the memories and the idea of what could have been. Aretha Franklin’s powerful vocals emphasize the conflicting emotions in the song, conveying both the man's desperation and the futility of his beliefs.

The song also touches upon the idea of nostalgia and how it can cloud one's judgment. The man cherishes memories from the past and allows them to dictate his perceptions and actions in the present. He is unable to see the truth because he is blinded by his own sentimentality.

In a broader context, "What a Fool Believes" speaks to the universal experience of holding onto false hope and the difficulty of letting go of something that once had deep meaning. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to face the truth and not to deceive themselves with illusions.