Meaning of "Actin' a Fool" by Pokey LaFarge

The lyrics speak to the pain and turmoil of heartbreak, as the narrator grapples with the overwhelming emotions and emptiness left in the wake of a failed relationship. The imagery of jumping into a river to drown and drinking away sorrows highlights the desperation and hopelessness that can accompany lost love. The repeated refrain of "actin' a fool, forgetting you" reflects the narrator's attempt to numb the pain by engaging in reckless behavior. The references to howling at the moon and seeing the sun set on his sanity convey a sense of being consumed by grief and madness. Ultimately, the song captures the self-destructive cycle that can sometimes follow a painful break-up, where the narrator tries to escape the heartache but only ends up feeling more lost and alone.