Meaning of "I Was a Fool" by Tegan And Sara

The lyrics of "I Was a Fool" delve into the theme of unrequited love and its accompanying pain. The narrator reminisces about the past, recalling how they pursued the person they loved, metaphorically climbing "your city's walls." They were devout in their affection, longing for the other person's attention and validation. However, despite their devotion, they were taken for granted and faced blame, leading to feelings of inadequacy. The narrator's loyalty is palpable as they admit to sticking around and saving the other person multiple times, assuming the role of a fool for love. They endured the pain and mistreatment, hoping for a change in their beloved and holding onto the possibility that their love might eventually be reciprocated.

The lyrics also touch upon the fickle nature of love, describing it as something that is never fixed. No matter how diligently the narrator behaves or how much they save the other person from their own self-imposed troubles, the love they share remains unstable. The repeated mention of standing still emphasizes the stagnancy of the relationship, suggesting a lack of growth or progress.

Towards the end of the song, the narrator addresses their beloved, warning them that if they are looking for someone who has changed and left their foolish ways behind, they should seek another person. The lyrics suggest that the narrator recognizes the need for self-growth and breaking free from the cycle of being a fool for love. However, it is uncertain whether the narrator will be able to break free from their own patterns of sacrificing their happiness for the sake of someone else's.

Overall, the lyrics of "I Was a Fool" convey the painful journey of unrequited love and the narrator's struggle to find self-worth within a relationship where their love is not reciprocated. It explores the complexities and vulnerabilities of love, highlighting the imbalance it can create and the lengths one might go to in the hopes of turning unrequited love into a mutual connection.