Meaning of "Fool" by Basia Bulat

The lyrics of "Fool" by Basia Bulat convey themes of longing, unrequited love, and the struggle to let go. The narrator finds themselves in a new town, physically separated from their former lover. Yet, they can still hear their laughter, a reminder of the connection they once shared. Despite the distance, they admit to still being a fool for this person, suggesting that they are still deeply invested emotionally.

The narrator seeks validation and understanding, trying to find a way to show their ex-lover the depth of their feelings. They even share their story with friends, hoping that by revealing the punchline, their ex-partner will finally comprehend their emotions. However, they question whether they can truly make this person understand. The repeated line "I'm still your fool" emphasizes the vulnerability and powerlessness the narrator feels, as if their status as a fool still remains despite their efforts to move on.

The lyrics explore the pain of unreciprocated love and the longing to be seen and understood by the person who holds their heart. The mention of being the first to break suggests a history of heartbreak and a pattern of vulnerability, with the narrator perhaps always being the one who falls harder. They plead for no more surprises, desiring stability and certainty in the relationship. However, they acknowledge that the only thing that follows them now is the echo of their ex-lover.

Overall, "Fool" captures the complexity of emotions that come with unrequited love and the struggle of letting go. It portrays the narrator's longing to be seen and understood, while also recognizing their own vulnerability in the face of their ex-lover's indifference.