About the song
## Poor Little Fool (1956) – Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson, the “Teen King” of the 1950s, burst onto the music scene with a fresh, youthful sound that captivated audiences of all ages. His debut single, “Poor Little Fool,” released in 1956, became an instant sensation, topping the charts and cementing Nelson’s status as a rising star.
Written by Bill Haley and his Comets, the song tells the tale of a young man who finds himself in a predicament: he’s fallen head over heels for a girl who seems to be playing hard to get. The lyrics, filled with youthful angst and longing, perfectly capture the emotional turmoil of adolescence.
Nelson’s delivery of the song is both energetic and heartfelt. His voice, with its boyish charm and raw emotion, perfectly complements the upbeat tempo and catchy melody. The arrangement is simple yet effective, featuring a driving rhythm and a memorable guitar riff.
“Poor Little Fool” was a groundbreaking song in many ways. It marked the beginning of the rock and roll era, ushering in a new sound that would revolutionize popular music. The song’s popularity also helped to launch Nelson’s career, making him one of the most beloved and influential artists of his generation.
Beyond its commercial success, “Poor Little Fool” is a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its catchy melody, relatable lyrics, and energetic performance make it a classic that will be enjoyed for generations to come.
Video
Lyrics
I used to play around with hearts
That hastened at my call
But when I met that little girl
I knew that I would fall
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
She’d play around and tease me
With her carefree devil eyes
She’d hold me close and kiss me
But her heart was full of lies
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
She told me how she cared for me
And that we’d never part
And so for the very first time
I gave away my heart
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
The next day she was gone
And I knew she’d lied to me
She left me with a broken heart
And won her victory
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
Well, I played this game with other hearts
But I never thought I’d see
The day when someone else would play
Love’s foolish game with me
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(I was a fool, oh yeah)
Poor little fool, oh yeah
I was a fool, uh-huh
(Uh-huh, poor little fool)
(Poor little fool)