ABSTRACT
The fool theme is frequently explored in song lyrics. Personal analysis is pervasive. Self-referencing lyrics allow wayward voyagers on the seas of love to define their own personal dilemmas, to explain the complexity of romantic circumstances to others, or to lament situations in which cool rationality failed when hot emotion erupted. In song foolhardy behavior is usually related to momentary lapses of knowledge, experience, or sensibility. The fool in a romantic situation is the moral equivalent of Everyman (or Everywoman). The charm, satisfaction, and hubris of absolute trust, veneration, and pure love make fools of everyone. The human condition is invariably one of randomly demonstrated flaws rather than consistent perfection. The courtship scenario manifests absolute adulation that defies reason, reflection, assessment, and objectivity. Fool songs usually argue on behalf of retrospective balance. They are sources of self-learning. When shared as popular lyrics, they urge listeners to heed the transitory nature of all human relationships.
