Steve Wariner cemented his place in country music history with “Some Fools Never Learn,” a song that topped both the Radio & Records and Billboard charts in 1985. This MCA Nashville release marked a significant milestone for Wariner, showcasing perhaps the most lyrically compelling song he had recorded up to that point. Written by John Scott Sherrill, the track delves into the complexities of heartbreak and self-deception, offering a narrative that resonates even today.
The song paints a vivid picture of a man caught in a recurring cycle of romantic disappointment. He is repeatedly drawn back to a woman who consistently breaks his heart. The lyrics masterfully build empathy for his situation, portraying him as a victim of love’s cruel games, unable to resist the allure of a destructive relationship.
However, “Some Fools Never Learn” cleverly subverts expectations in its final verse, introducing a poignant twist. The narrative perspective broadens to reveal another heartbroken individual – a woman genuinely in love with the protagonist. She too is a “fool,” suffering because the man she loves is fixated on someone else. This revelation adds layers of depth to the song, transforming it from a simple tale of heartbreak into a more nuanced exploration of love and longing from multiple perspectives.
Somewhere in the city tonight
There’s a girl, and she’s lonely like me
She’ll be easy to see, and naturally
She’ll have that look in her eyes
She’ll be feeling that way, I see it all plain as day
Oh, I’ll never be
What she wants me to be, oh, but lucky for me
Some fools never learn
This lyrical twist is a key element to the song’s enduring appeal. Its influence can be heard in later country hits that explore similar themes of complicated relationships and unrequited love. Notably, Sugarland’s “Stay” echoes the song’s acoustic-driven structure and emotionally charged storytelling. Lee Ann Womack’s “The Fool” further distills this concept, succinctly capturing the dual heartbreak in the memorable line, “I’m the fool in love with the fool who’s still in love with you.”
While “Some Fools Never Learn” excels in its lyrical content, the original review points out a potential weakness in its melody. Despite Steve Wariner’s vocal talent, the melody is described as somewhat underwhelming, perhaps leaning closer to a songwriter’s demo than a fully realized chart-topper. Even Jimmy Bowen’s typically strong and organic production couldn’t fully elevate this aspect of the song, leaving it feeling slightly underproduced to some ears.
Despite this minor critique regarding the melody, “Some Fools Never Learn” remains a standout track in Steve Wariner’s discography and a noteworthy No. 1 single from the 1980s. Its lyrical depth and narrative twist solidify its place as a “pretty darn good record,” earning it a solid B+ rating and continued appreciation from country music fans. It stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in country music, proving that even with a less-than-perfect melody, a well-crafted narrative can capture hearts and climb the charts.
Further Exploration:
- Listen to “Some Fools Never Learn” on Spotify and other music platforms.
- Explore more #1 country singles of the 1980s at Every No. 1 Single of the Eighties.
- Read the review of the previous #1 single: The Oak Ridge Boys, ‘Touch a Hand, Make a Friend”.
- Discover the next #1 single: Alabama, “Can’t Keep a Good Man Down”.
