“What a fool believes, no wise man has the power to reason away”. He’s just saying that a fool will always believe his delusions, no matter what wiser men say to convince him otherwise. The fool will chase his lost love into oblivion
I think it’s saying that no matter how wise you are, you will always be blinded by love. You will never see the truth of the relationship because your love blinds you. Even wise men will become fools when blinded by love.
A completely fictional story is that Skunk Baxter was on the verge of firing McDonald from the band, but McDonald saved his job by penning this song. Search “Yacht Rock HD episode 1” here on UA-cam.
Barbara Quinton: I agree with you 100%, but M.M. seems to elicit only 2 types of response. Love or hate, and I can't understand how you couldn't like a butter smooth voice like McDonalds. Everyone I ever spoke to about him was either in one camp or another...no one was lukewarm about him.
"What A Fool Believes" won the Grammy Awards in 1980 for the Song of the Year (lyrics and music) and the Record of the Year (the actual recording). This masterpiece was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. They also collaborated on the hit jams "This Is It" and "Heart To Heart". And you're right, Jamal: soul has no color.
Really? I don't take it that way at all. I don't even think it's all that sad if you Think about it in a Wise Man Way. He doesn't think she'll ever Leave, kind of like, She's Still on this Earth, she didn't Die, she's Not somewhere, where she's Never able to go back. His Door is Always Open for when she Does come back, and is Prepared to Make a Live as a Couple or Family. It doesn't Necessarily mean that she Doesn't Love him, she's just Not ready for Commitment just Yet.
I'm 72 year old White man. This genre of music in the 50's, 60's, 70's appealed to everyone. Doesn't matter what color a person is. We all enjoy this type of music. Brother, I'll let you in on a little secret. When you were playing that song, my wife and I were cutting a rug! Not too long bro. We had to shake something though!
"What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away, what seems to be, is always better than nothin', than nothin' at all." My favourite Doobie brothers song. They're a very diverse band, as you probably know now.
@@TJ347 Honestly, I could see it either way. Your correction is a comparison between what a wise man and a fool can do, while the OP's version is saying that not even a wise man can reason with a fool. Both make lots of sense.
Aww man, I hate to admit this, but I always missed the "No" before wise man...and now it takes on the complete opposite meaning. I'm having a moment here ...
Your reactions about “ soul has no color” is exactly what the whole world should know and embrace. Music ain’t about color. You can’t see it. You got to hear it. Signed a 70 year old white dude that lives in Texas.
I don't know what makes me happier--hearing lots of these classics again, or seeing Jamel (or anyone else for that matter) having so much joy in hearing these songs, whether it's for the first time, or diving deeper into a song you've heard in the background forever, but not really listening intently until now. Love it!
We're all here for the same reason because this guy you can't help but like him we're taking his musical Journey with him we know all the songs we grew up on this Casey case some days top 40 you know what I'm talking about and he's really enjoying it and it's bringing back memories for us so in my opinion
To this day i still can't understand how he's capable of reaching those high notes with that deep, rich, masculine voice, Michael McDonald is amazing, one of my favorites EVER 💖
you should also check out his wife... really good singer ua-cam.com/video/E8X7liJB6go/v-deo.html Learn to Love Again = from Night of the Comet the movie = Amy Holland and Chris Farren
Jamel- I love hearing all these tunes, from my past, for the first time again through you. I'm a 54yo bald chubby white guy from Pittsburgh but let me tell you, If we ever meet I'm gonna ask for for a big hug!. Love you man, rock on with your positive energy!!
The best = your serious facial expression as you said, “you see, this is why this is important to be doing this.” And THAT, brother, is why you have 234K subscribers.
The chorus lyrics are: "But what a fool believes he sees./No wise man has the power/To reason away/What seems to be/Is always better than nothing/Than nothing at all."
i love the lyrics to it as well... "Hey, don't worry, I've been lied to I've been here many times before" and "You would stay just to watch me, darlin' Wilt away on lies from you" Such scathing lyrics sung so non-chalantly by McDonald... just magnificent.
Goosebumps! Emotions run deep with this masterpiece. Michael McDonalds voice is one of a kind and when mixed with this song goes to new levels of inspiration.
"a fool believes the wise man has the power" Jamel, at 77 I've heard a lot of music and still enjoy a new voice. Each generation has it's great music. Keep listening and never stop. I enjoy the surprise on your face when you hear something you've never heard before. Take care.
Actually, they are singing; "No wise man has the power." This is one of history's all-time greatest broken heart songs. It talks of a man that meets and ex he is still in love with. Yet, she has moved on and no matter what he says she isn't interested in giving him another chance. But, her love for her is so great, he can't see the truth. Truly a classic worth putting in a time capsule and opening in the next million years.
Almost. They had a brief encounter that was special to him and meaningless to her. In her mind they were never together and to him she is the one that got away.
Ace Degenerate Strange. I saw an interview with MM where he explained that they were casual acquaintances and he felt that there was more. If you analyze the first verse “ He came from somewhere back in her long ago The sentimental fool don't see Trying hard to recreate What had yet to be created once in her life.” “Somewhere” implying she does not even place him initially and in his mind they had a thing but in her’s “it never really was.” I inferred them to be at a bar or table and her apologizing (blowing him off and getting up to leave) as he rises politely to not realizing “anybody else would surely know he’s watching her go.”
One of THE great soul singing voices on the planet. So recognisable. He could sing the phone book and it would sound great. What's more, that great tone got better with age, (and we all age right) but Michael is a gift to us all.
Bradley McFadin you might as well hear the original with Harold Melville and the blue Notes with Teddy Pendgrass singing. THAT Simply Red, can not hold a tune too and the emotion Teddy puts in it. That’s why ladies threw their things on stage to him!
I'm in the UK and white, i just love your reaction to these white guys with soul, there's loads of us out here, thanks for spreading the sounds of some of my favourite bands, not forgetting Bob, Stevie, Marvin, Sam , Aretha, Whitney , too many to list here .
Lucky to have grown up with such great music. Watching Jamal is like rediscovering it. Really great. Like skiing got old and rediscovered it with my kids.
Hilda Brown I was thinking of that one too. Everyone’s heard Hey Nineteen as background music, but many don’t realize how devious and cheeky a song it is. Would love to a reaction that that one.
When Michael McDonald came along he brought a whole new style to the Doobie Brothers music. I like his music as much as I like the early Doobie Brothers he just fit perfect with that band
Which (for whatever reason) too many I run into want either the old Doobies or the McDoobies. I love them both, with the McDoobies winning by a hair, for I'm more R&B than Pop. But both are excellent and "Old Blackwater" is straightup Country and excellent.
I can't say this enough I am so absolutely thrilled that the younger generation especially the black community has gotten into the Vault of the 70s music... so much talent so much gifting it'll never be created again but I'm glad you all are resurrecting it
This is absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time. The chord progressions, the groove - THE SONG! As a kid, I had no idea what the song was about, but if it came on at a skating rink, we were GROOVING!!! HOW in the WORLD did I miss the actual song penned on top of the music? "As he rises to her apology, anybody else would surely know...he's watching her go. But what a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away." - WOOOW!!! Such an incredibly powerful and sad song written over a dance groove threw me for a loop as an adult when I finally listened to the lyrics! McDonald's and Loggins KILLED the writing on this record! The music breathes and pulses without any of the instrumentation fighting for sonic space - I mean...I could write a novel about the greatness of this song! As a fellow musician and songwriter, everything about the song is pure ear candy!
Very sad lyric. “She had a place in his life. He never made her think twice.....what seems to be is always better than nothing, and nothing at all keeps sending him somewhere back in her long ago where he can still believe there’s a place in her life. Someday somehow...”
You mixing up that pre chorus She had a place in his life, He never made her think twice, As he rises to her apology, anybody else would surely know, he’s watching her go.
terry fonz Thanks. I was simply highlighting what I’ve always considered the saddest parts of it. The whole piece is a study on cognitive dissonance: spiffy, catchy track set against a pathetic scene. Brilliant.
@@BamaScorpio69 I know what you are saying but I think the guy in the song isn't meant to be perceived as the stalker type. It's not about an obsessive guy it's just highlighting that there are those times in people's lives when someone meant so much to you but in reality you were not such a big deal to them. The lyrics do a great job showing that dynamic and I think a lot of us have been on both sides of the dynamic at least once.
He came from somewhere back in her long ago The sentimental fool don't see Tryin' hard to recreate What had yet to be created once in her life She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale Never coming near what he wanted to say Only to realize it never really was [Pre-Chorus] She had a place in his life He never made her think twice As he rises to her apology Anybody else would surely know He's watching her go [Chorus] But what a fool believes, he sees No wise man has the power to reason away What seems to be Is always better than nothing Than nothing at all [Verse 2] Keeps sending him somewhere back in her long ago Where he can still believe there's a place in her life Someday, somewhere She will return
I was 13 when this album debuted. This song is my favorite Doobie song of all time. I fell in love with Michael then and still love him now. See if you can get a vinyl copy. It has all the lyrics for all the songs on the liner.
Soul and funk are my favorite musical genres and there's so much soul in this song. Like you've said, music transcends race, creed, culture and background. It's all love.
I always understood it to be without the comma, but it's even more interesting, and true, with it. Our beliefs color the "reality" we (think) we see. Thanks!
My mom played this while she was cleaning the house (always seemed to be on the light FM station she found). Always makes me think about being a little kid and hearing this on sick days or holidays. Thanks!
In the summer of 1980 this song was everywhere. It was blasted from car stereos non-stop and it was an absolute must at backyard parties where it was blasted from huge speakers and unlike most other songs no-one complained about it being played several times during the party and the whole album being played from start to finish.
Here's the lyrics, Jamel. He came from somewhere back in her long ago The sentimental fool don't see Tryin' hard to recreate What had yet to be created once in her life She musters a smile For his nostalgic tale Never coming near what he wanted to say Only to realize It never really was She had a place in his life He never made her think twice As he rises to her apology Anybody else would surely know He's watching her go But what a fool believes he sees No wise man has the power to reason away What seems to be Is always better than nothing And nothing at all keeps sending him... Somewhere back in her long ago Where he can still believe there's a place in her life Someday, somewhere, she will return She had a place in his life He never made her think twice As he rises to her apology Anybody else would surely know He's watching her go But what a fool believes he sees No wise man has the power to reason away What seems to be Is always better than nothing There's nothing at all But what a fool believes he sees...
Meisy G. Ever so often my friends and I go karaoking me and my buddy will go up and vocalize on tin man and Ventura highway, listen to another classic of theirs that nobody really hears called Amber Cascades this too was written by the same man who wrote Tin Man and Ventura Highway from America, Dewey Bunnell
Doobie brothers are exactly what America really is!! Any man any race with soul!!! Skin color is a mirage. We need to be united again under one American flag. God bless everyone
Paul Davis " Cool Night" Kenny Loggins "Heart to Heart" and Christopher Cross "Ride Like the Wind" Other "yacht" rock greats you might like. One of my all-time favs! Thanks for this reaction.
The guitarist (Jeff Baxter) at the bottom-left of the photo is a natural genius. While in the band he wrote a thesis on missile defense systems to the government on his Tandy personal computer and was hired as a missile defense consultant by the government. He had no prior training or educational experience on the subject, he just took an interest in missile defense by reading books at the library. He's like a savant, or polymath and auto-didactic high IQ free spirit. He is also one of the best guitarist of his day who personally brought in Michael McDonald into the band to replace the original lead singer from health complications.
So lovely seeing someone watching so enjoyable the music I love. “What a fool believes, he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away” and “ What seems to be is always better than nothing” means “ There’s no point trying to reason with a deluded fool. He sees what he wants to see and you’ll never convince him that he is wrong. But maybe he is happier with his delusion. For a lonely fool, a fantasy love maybe better than no love at all” love this song.
Agreed. I was looking for someone to explain this. I'd only remove the first comma: “What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away.” Also, I imagine a scene where the former lovers are meeting somewhere publicly, and she has decided to leave, therefore he "rises to her apology," that is, he gets up as she makes her excuse to bail. This is what the song indicates where a reasonable observer sees that he is "watching her go," meaning that she is going away from him forever. It is a beautiful song about his love and hope and the self-delusion to sustain that in the face of what otherwise is the crushing reality of her lost love. He can't even realize that he never made her think twice. She clearly saw that it was over. Nothing he could say or do could convince her to reconsider. Once she made the decision, she made an excuse to leave, which he accepted as if it were true, as if she had an important engagement elsewhere, as if this was just a normal thing and he would see her again. It's so hard to acknowledge the truth in such a devastating circumstance.
You have, without question, the best reaction show on the net! Whenever I need a smile I just tune you in. You take such obvious joy doing it that it's contagious. I also enjoy your interpretations of the lyrics. You seem to be able to take extremely deep, complicated concepts and bring them down to 'street' logic.
The tremendous hooks and irresistible vibe of this song are akin to the sheer euphoria felt by a fat kid turned loose in a candy store...pure joy and sweetness. Feel the goodness.
A MONSTROUSLY great song indeed! I loved watching your reaction. It actually made me well up with joy. This song is perfect pop, made with incredibly relaxed and natural sophistication in the late 70s. This might have been pop music’s heyday, as recording quality, musicianship and songwriting skills were all at their height. Thanks for posting this!
I remember this song SO WELL!! I was 18 yrs old & LOVED Michael McDonald singing this song (lead singer). Both he & Kenny Loggins wrote this song too. Absolutely fantastic!! 💖💖💖
I'd be honored if some Ambrosia & Jamal fans would take a listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performances of YOU'RE THE ONLY WOMAN and WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES by Michael McDonald on my YT channel in tribute to the masters of late 70s/early 80s groove. Live acoustic with no autotune. Peace & stays safe.
"It's so catchy" Damn straight. This song's more catchy than the coronavirus! LOL (We can all come back and look at these comments, years from now, and reminisce: "We were there! We lived it!")
I remember thirty years ago explaining to a friend from work how I'd fallen in love and couldn't tell her how I felt, and that she left and I thought I was dying (he'd asked earlier what was wrong so I suggested going for a drink). Just as I was telling this to him, the stereo system in the bar we were in started playing this song over the speakers. Totally random and totally appropriate. I'll never forget that moment.
Your reactions are like adults watching kids on Christmas . The joy of watching someone discover something new and loving it. ❤️
Laura Walsh I love this dude, seriously lol.
Eddie Pullman As do I, Eddie, as do I. ❤️🎼
You got it spot on. 😁
Yes. I've heard it a thousand times and to see him enjoy it anew is a joy.
Well said!
I'm a 43 year old black man. And I love the Doobie Brothers. Need to check out Christopher Cross to.
Christopher Scott Christopher Cross, Yes! Please and thank you 👍
Sailing 😍❤️
Think of Laura was my joint...
brothaman612 Yes!
Run like the wind
“What a fool believes, no wise man has the power to reason away”. He’s just saying that a fool will always believe his delusions, no matter what wiser men say to convince him otherwise. The fool will chase his lost love into oblivion
DDAAYYMN. I never thought of it that way. Sheesh. I love your explanation by the way.
Love that explanation
I think it’s saying that no matter how wise you are, you will always be blinded by love. You will never see the truth of the relationship because your love blinds you. Even wise men will become fools when blinded by love.
Yup! The lyrics in this song tell a story that is absolutely devastatingly heartbreaking!
well said. perfect explanation.
One of the best songs in history. Love this reaction 🙏
YES!!!!
A completely fictional story is that Skunk Baxter was on the verge of firing McDonald from the band, but McDonald saved his job by penning this song. Search “Yacht Rock HD episode 1” here on UA-cam.
Seems to have a open mind and honest reaction seen a 3 or 4 of his reactions? And a good song anyways
My absolute favorite song!!❤️
Yes it won the grammy award for song of the year
Michael MacDonald is such a great singer, you know his voice the minute you hear it. One of the greatest singer of all times
👏👏👏👏❤👍👍👍👍
Barbara Quinton: I agree with you 100%, but M.M. seems to elicit only 2 types of response. Love or hate, and I can't understand how you couldn't like a butter smooth voice like McDonalds.
Everyone I ever spoke to about him was either in one camp or another...no one was lukewarm about him.
Barbara Quinton Yep he has pipes
@@emc2614 FUCK luke warm water!!
everybody can sing like that tho. it is literally the easiest voice to imitate/mock
“Soul has no color”... well said my man! Well said...
Music has no color.... MUSIC IS COLOR!!!!🌈
yea it does.
Truth 🙏
AMADEUS360 THE BEAT KING .. U need to get out of the Hood. ...
Tripper Harrison lmfao
"What A Fool Believes" won the Grammy Awards in 1980 for the Song of the Year (lyrics and music) and the Record of the Year (the actual recording). This masterpiece was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. They also collaborated on the hit jams "This Is It" and "Heart To Heart". And you're right, Jamal: soul has no color.
Roger, I'm right there with you. BUT, look up the lyrics and it's a master class! Brilliant writing!
once again Excellent
I have the album
It was also one of the only songs, of those released in 1979, that reached the top spot and wasn't disco.
This song is painful when you listen and realize you're the fool he's singing about. We've all been there, right?
Been there
Yes we have 🙏🏻💕
Facts though. I think I'm the fool as w speak :(
FACTS!!! Tear Jerking when it hits home like that! Yes, we’ve all been there 😅
Really? I don't take it that way at all. I don't even think it's all that sad if you Think about it in a Wise Man Way. He doesn't think she'll ever Leave, kind of like, She's Still on this Earth, she didn't Die, she's Not somewhere, where she's Never able to go back. His Door is Always Open for when she Does come back, and is Prepared to Make a Live as a Couple or Family. It doesn't Necessarily mean that she Doesn't Love him, she's just Not ready for Commitment just Yet.
I'm 72 year old White man. This genre of music in the 50's, 60's, 70's appealed to everyone. Doesn't matter what color a person is. We all enjoy this type of music. Brother, I'll let you in on a little secret. When you were playing that song, my wife and I were cutting a rug! Not too long bro. We had to shake something though!
68 years young, right -on brother.
Can you please let the song 🎵play before you give your comments
Love it
@@robinbrooks6437 That’s not the way it works on YT. You have to make some commentary, or the video will be struck.
I’m 65, been listening to the Brothers Doobie all my adult life.
And you have a cool name too
Loggins and Massina, too 💕
*Messina
RICK HALL I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Doobies! Is that you Zippy?
My husband N I are 63...66 and have never stopped listening to the music of the 70’s. Da best!
I'm 73 and I STILL move to this song. I was 29 when it came out.
I'm 71 and couldn't agree with you more!😊
"What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away, what seems to be, is always better than nothin', than nothin' at all." My favourite Doobie brothers song. They're a very diverse band, as you probably know now.
THE wise man
@@TJ347 Honestly, I could see it either way. Your correction is a comparison between what a wise man and a fool can do, while the OP's version is saying that not even a wise man can reason with a fool. Both make lots of sense.
One of the most distinguisable voices in music, the great Michael MacDonald.
Such a beautiful voice.
"What a fool believes to be
No wise man has the power to reason away."
Classic runs chills in my body still
Aww man, I hate to admit this, but I always missed the "No" before wise man...and now it takes on the complete opposite meaning. I'm having a moment here ...
@Lone Star - I think it’s safe to safe we’ve all played that “fool”... I know I have. I’ve learned; but man, it STILL hurts, years later 😞
Amazing lyrics.
Its "What a fool believes, he sees....." 👍🏼
Your reactions about “ soul has no color” is exactly what the whole world should know and embrace. Music ain’t about color. You can’t see it. You got to hear it. Signed a 70 year old white dude that lives in Texas.
But Texas has no soul...
@@nora22000 I wonder why everyone keeps going there then. Lol
@@dr.derekrobinson1920 I heard it was the barbecue brisket...lol.
Hall and Oates proved this as well
She had a place in his life. He never made her think twice. This happens too often. So sad.
That means this man would throw or threw all his pride away to be with this woman
I don't know what makes me happier--hearing lots of these classics again, or seeing Jamel (or anyone else for that matter) having so much joy in hearing these songs, whether it's for the first time, or diving deeper into a song you've heard in the background forever, but not really listening intently until now. Love it!
We're all here for the same reason because this guy you can't help but like him we're taking his musical Journey with him we know all the songs we grew up on this Casey case some days top 40 you know what I'm talking about and he's really enjoying it and it's bringing back memories for us so in my opinion
#Same
To this day i still can't understand how he's capable of reaching those high notes with that deep, rich, masculine voice, Michael McDonald is amazing, one of my favorites EVER 💖
Ciclopea2 one of the best male vocalists ever imo 🎤💙
This for example, offers an explanation. There are others as well :)
watch?v=e3htzdvCumk
Falsetto is a special talent.
@@TheSuzberry it is, especially without losing one bit of resonance.
you should also check out his wife... really good singer
ua-cam.com/video/E8X7liJB6go/v-deo.html
Learn to Love Again = from Night of the Comet the movie = Amy Holland and Chris Farren
The lyrics in that song are deep. One of my favorites.
About a man who deludes himself into believing the love he feels is reciprocated.
Spot on!
Jamel- I love hearing all these tunes, from my past, for the first time again through you. I'm a 54yo bald chubby white guy from Pittsburgh but let me tell you, If we ever meet I'm gonna ask for for a big hug!. Love you man, rock on with your positive energy!!
We need more of this kind of love in this world. Your comment made me smile.
@@RedactedNews I think what is key is Jamal earns his love.
One of the greatest, yet most brutal songs ever.
"She had a place in his life, HE never made her think twice..."
My life story in 9 words.
@@natskivna Which four are you leaving out?
@Jyn Dev another sad story of unrequited love :(
Have truer words ever been spoken than "what a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away."?
Yes, it is brutal.
I'm a 25 years old brazilian black man, and when I first heard this it was instant love!
I can't get enough of this blue eyed soul singer Mr. Michael McDonald!!! He has the voice of a angel so smooth and soulful....he's truly a legend❤❤❤
My cat just jumped up on the couch for some love, so I’m giving her scritches to the beat of this song. She’s loving it!!!
The best = your serious facial expression as you said, “you see, this is why this is important to be doing this.” And THAT, brother, is why you have 234K subscribers.
Matthew Kirkhart 🙏🏽 amen, I love this channel. My hubby and I just smile 😊 and enjoy your commentary, facial expressions and good vibes.
I concur!!! :) Love it!!
It's one of the main reasons, yes.
Yes! I just got to that part and was going to comment - that moment warmed my heart.
I know I love his facial expression. He's great. Always puts a smile on face.
The chorus lyrics are: "But what a fool believes he sees./No wise man has the power/To reason away/What seems to be/Is always better than nothing/Than nothing at all."
We are all Brothers & Sisters in the 60', 70's & 80's. We went from Motown, to the British rock & mixed it all up - hence soulful rock!!!
You cannot listen to this song and not be moved, physically AND musically! Love it!
"What a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power
To reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing,
Than nothing at all."
"Minute By Minute". The intro is my favorite they ever did. Michael was with them for that one too.
i love the lyrics to it as well...
"Hey, don't worry, I've been lied to
I've been here many times before" and
"You would stay just to watch me, darlin'
Wilt away on lies from you"
Such scathing lyrics sung so non-chalantly by McDonald... just magnificent.
@@ArtofFreeSpeech Same here . . . I can't get enough of this one!
I think J would really like this one.
yep, awesome intro
That’s my jam!!!!
I’ve been a musician for over fifty years and so much of these tunes you react to I’ve played hundreds of times. Love you, brother.
Goosebumps! Emotions run deep with this masterpiece.
Michael McDonalds voice is one of a kind and when mixed with this song goes to new levels of inspiration.
"a fool believes the wise man has the power" Jamel, at 77 I've heard a lot of music and still enjoy a new voice. Each generation has it's great music. Keep listening
and never stop. I enjoy the surprise on your face when you hear something you've never heard before. Take care.
Well said, partner. 👍
Actually, they are singing; "No wise man has the power." This is one of history's all-time greatest broken heart songs. It talks of a man that meets and ex he is still in love with. Yet, she has moved on and no matter what he says she isn't interested in giving him another chance. But, her love for her is so great, he can't see the truth. Truly a classic worth putting in a time capsule and opening in the next million years.
Almost. They had a brief encounter that was special to him and meaningless to her. In her mind they were never together and to him she is the one that got away.
Ace Degenerate Strange. I saw an interview with MM where he explained that they were casual acquaintances and he felt that there was more. If you analyze the first verse
“ He came from somewhere back in her long ago The sentimental fool don't see
Trying hard to recreate What had yet to be created once in her life.” “Somewhere” implying she does not even place him initially and in his mind they had a thing but in her’s “it never really was.” I inferred them to be at a bar or table and her apologizing (blowing him off and getting up to leave) as he rises politely to not realizing “anybody else would surely know he’s watching her go.”
Ace Degenerate very close but she’s the one rising to the apology!
M Dollar As “he” rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He's watching her go
DA Hannah where are you getting that from? Use your common sense. How could he rise to her apology?
Feelin it too bruh- "No wise man has the power to reason away"
One of THE great soul singing voices on the planet. So recognisable. He could sing the phone book and it would sound great. What's more, that great tone got better with age, (and we all age right) but Michael is a gift to us all.
Simply Red. Holding Back the Years or If You Don’t Know me by Now
F*CK
YEAH!!!
Bradley McFadin you might as well hear the original with Harold Melville and the blue Notes with Teddy Pendgrass singing. THAT Simply Red, can not hold a tune too and the emotion Teddy puts in it. That’s why ladies threw their things on stage to him!
Stars as well
@@johnraymondflores But "Holding Back the Years" is unreal.
@@vladimirk9584 "Stars" is a great tune, as well. That whole album is solid. Biggest-selling album of 1991 in the UK, in fact.
Michael McDonald is pure talent. Good times growing up, everyone was up dancing❤️❤️❤️
That lyric reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: "You can't reason a person out of something that they were not reasoned into."
I'm in the UK and white, i just love your reaction to these white guys with soul, there's loads of us out here, thanks for spreading the sounds of some of my favourite bands, not forgetting Bob, Stevie, Marvin, Sam , Aretha, Whitney , too many to list here .
"Taking It to the Streets" has got to be next.
Great bass line in that one.
Hell yeah!
Great choice!!!
That song is badass!!!! Please review it Jamel!!
Listen to the music!
One of the greatest songs of all time!
Lucky to have grown up with such great music. Watching Jamal is like rediscovering it. Really great. Like skiing got old and rediscovered it with my kids.
This was one of my Dads favorite songs.
I was four when it came out. RIP in Peace Dad.
😆“To pay respect - I should be knowing the damn song instead of humming it”👊
The background voice on many Steely Dan tunes, most notably, “Peg.”
He needs a Hey Nineteen reaction vid. Surely he has heard that in the store as well
Michael McDonald has done background music for more groups than any other singer, bar none.
Hilda Brown I was thinking of that one too. Everyone’s heard Hey Nineteen as background music, but many don’t realize how devious and cheeky a song it is. Would love to a reaction that that one.
@@arianahartsock5013 He's already done *Hey 19* just recently. 😎🥂👍
@Jimo ATX her name is Caroline
"If love can come and love can go why can't love return once more?"
"If love can come, and love can go, then why can't love return once more..." ~ great lyrics!!
"What A Fool Believes" received Grammy Awards in 1980 for both Song of the Year and Record of the Year. My favorite of the Doobie Brothers by far.
And was written by Kenny Loggins
When Michael McDonald came along he brought a whole new style to the Doobie Brothers music. I like his music as much as I like the early Doobie Brothers he just fit perfect with that band
Which (for whatever reason) too many I run into want either the old Doobies or the McDoobies. I love them both, with the McDoobies winning by a hair, for I'm more R&B than Pop. But both are excellent and "Old Blackwater" is straightup Country and excellent.
I can't say this enough I am so absolutely thrilled that the younger generation especially the black community has gotten into the Vault of the 70s music... so much talent so much gifting it'll never be created again but I'm glad you all are resurrecting it
This is absolutely one of my favorite songs of all time. The chord progressions, the groove - THE SONG! As a kid, I had no idea what the song was about, but if it came on at a skating rink, we were GROOVING!!! HOW in the WORLD did I miss the actual song penned on top of the music? "As he rises to her apology, anybody else would surely know...he's watching her go. But what a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away." - WOOOW!!! Such an incredibly powerful and sad song written over a dance groove threw me for a loop as an adult when I finally listened to the lyrics! McDonald's and Loggins KILLED the writing on this record! The music breathes and pulses without any of the instrumentation fighting for sonic space - I mean...I could write a novel about the greatness of this song! As a fellow musician and songwriter, everything about the song is pure ear candy!
Very sad lyric. “She had a place in his life. He never made her think twice.....what seems to be is always better than nothing, and nothing at all keeps sending him somewhere back in her long ago where he can still believe there’s a place in her life. Someday somehow...”
You mixing up that pre chorus
She had a place in his life,
He never made her think twice,
As he rises to her apology,
anybody else would surely know, he’s watching her go.
terry fonz Thanks. I was simply highlighting what I’ve always considered the saddest parts of it. The whole piece is a study on cognitive dissonance: spiffy, catchy track set against a pathetic scene. Brilliant.
Oh this is definitely a sad song if you're the guy. If you're the girl you're like, "Dude was a stalker!!!" Lol
I love these lyrics!
@@BamaScorpio69 I know what you are saying but I think the guy in the song isn't meant to be perceived as the stalker type. It's not about an obsessive guy it's just highlighting that there are those times in people's lives when someone meant so much to you but in reality you were not such a big deal to them. The lyrics do a great job showing that dynamic and I think a lot of us have been on both sides of the dynamic at least once.
He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don't see
Tryin' hard to recreate
What had yet to be created once in her life
She musters a smile for his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize it never really was
[Pre-Chorus]
She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He's watching her go
[Chorus]
But what a fool believes, he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
Than nothing at all
[Verse 2]
Keeps sending him somewhere back in her long ago
Where he can still believe there's a place in her life
Someday, somewhere
She will return
thanks!
Yes! Thank you!
I saw Michael in concert the summer of 2019. He’s still amazing
I’m envious.
Wowwww!!! Your blessed to have gotten that opportunity, Man.
Golden voice, never ages.
I was 13 when this album debuted. This song is my favorite Doobie song of all time. I fell in love with Michael then and still love him now. See if you can get a vinyl copy. It has all the lyrics for all the songs on the liner.
The harmonies are so tight....only other harmony singers can do that together.
LITTLE RIVER BAND
That seems a statement of the obvious !
The Eagles. The Bee Gees 😀
All mentioned are harmony singers, right..... yes.
And any acapella group, home free ,penatonix etc
Michael McDonald with the Doobies...never better. This is probably one of their best songs ever.
Soul and funk are my favorite musical genres and there's so much soul in this song. Like you've said, music transcends race, creed, culture and background. It's all love.
I feel the same way. This song makes me close my eyes and dance and cry all at the same time. The groove is just so f'ing deep and pure.
You might enjoy "I Can't Go For That" by Hall & Oates as well.
Not enjoy. Love.
Noooo-oo - Nawwww - NO CAN DO!
Oh no....Sara Smile is the one
"Shes Gone" absolute masterpiece.
Oh yeah, he would love hall & oats.
I remember how great this album was/is. Minute by Minute is a great song as well. This piano intro is great and unmistakeable.
Love your reactions to these old songs. I was 21 in 1979 and I remember it well. 😊 you missed a great era.
LOVE THEM! I’m born in 1976, and my dad played this record TO DEATH!!! ❤️❤️❤️
"What A Fool Believes, He Sees" how true is that :)
I always understood it to be without the comma, but it's even more interesting, and true, with it. Our beliefs color the "reality" we (think) we see. Thanks!
I've heard this song 10,000 times and never listened to the lyrics until now. Great song about unrequited love.
Grilled Spaghetti I do that too lol I just like the bgm too much
My mom played this while she was cleaning the house (always seemed to be on the light FM station she found). Always makes me think about being a little kid and hearing this on sick days or holidays. Thanks!
In the summer of 1980 this song was everywhere. It was blasted from car stereos non-stop and it was an absolute must at backyard parties where it was blasted from huge speakers and unlike most other songs no-one complained about it being played several times during the party and the whole album being played from start to finish.
Here's the lyrics, Jamel.
He came from somewhere back in her long ago
The sentimental fool don't see
Tryin' hard to recreate
What had yet to be created once in her life
She musters a smile
For his nostalgic tale
Never coming near what he wanted to say
Only to realize
It never really was
She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He's watching her go
But what a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
And nothing at all keeps sending him...
Somewhere back in her long ago
Where he can still believe there's a place in her life
Someday, somewhere, she will return
She had a place in his life
He never made her think twice
As he rises to her apology
Anybody else would surely know
He's watching her go
But what a fool believes he sees
No wise man has the power to reason away
What seems to be
Is always better than nothing
There's nothing at all
But what a fool believes he sees...
The majority of the Steve and Laura dynamic in 'Family Matters' 💁
Thank you - always loved this song but, after all these years, didn't know all the words. NOW I do. Blessings
I always thought they said "The wise man has the power" .... thanks for the correction.
You the real MVP
This sums up one of the few "relationships" I ever tried to have with a woman...
"This is why this is important..."
You are so real and hilarious! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Record of the year, according to the Grammy Awards.
Jamel you're so darn cute when you listen to this great music!! 😁 Thank you for happily appreciating the music we hold so dear. ♥️
... no wise man has the power to reason away.. what a fool believes.. WOW!! Never gets old man!! 🤗
Must react, please... America, "Tin Man", "Horse with No Name" and "Ventura Highway". Timeless and Classic 😘🤗
Meisy G. Love Tin Man, When I was in a band I sang this one always, great harmonies 👍🏼
@@hardlines4 Timeless and Classic 👏🎶
Meisy G. Ever so often my friends and I go karaoking me and my buddy will go up and vocalize on tin man and Ventura highway, listen to another classic of theirs that nobody really hears called Amber Cascades this too was written by the same man who wrote Tin Man and Ventura Highway from America, Dewey Bunnell
@@hardlines4 Nice, must be fun.😉
"You can do magic" is a great one too
Doobie brothers are exactly what America really is!! Any man any race with soul!!! Skin color is a mirage. We need to be united again under one American flag. God bless everyone
45 years ago today this song hit #1 on the Billboard charts.
Paul Davis " Cool Night" Kenny Loggins "Heart to Heart" and Christopher Cross "Ride Like the Wind"
Other "yacht" rock greats you might like. One of my all-time favs! Thanks for this reaction.
kittylynnlpn 2006 ❤️❤️❤️Paul Davis and Christopher Cross’ ~ Sailin’
...and Michael McDonald sings background on two of them.
kittylynnlpn 2006 Kenny Loggins.....I’m Alright or This Is It....and Christopher Cross...Arthur’s Theme...
Heart to Heart, Mrs. H. She's gorgeous!
Stephen Bishop "On And On".
The guy on the bottom left of the album cover is Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, who was also in Steely Dan. This another band you need to know about.
Michael McDonald was also with Steely Dan.
Skunk Baxter is also some kind of munitions expert.
And Michael McDonald performed the background vocals on, Peg, by Steely Dan.
@@christinel5486 it's so interesting how many of these acts were intertwined
He has done many Steely Dan reactions. Look 'em up!
The Wise man has the power, to reason away what a fool believes.
The guitarist (Jeff Baxter) at the bottom-left of the photo is a natural genius. While in the band he wrote a thesis on missile defense systems to the government on his Tandy personal computer and was hired as a missile defense consultant by the government. He had no prior training or educational experience on the subject, he just took an interest in missile defense by reading books at the library. He's like a savant, or polymath and auto-didactic high IQ free spirit. He is also one of the best guitarist of his day who personally brought in Michael McDonald into the band to replace the original lead singer from health complications.
He’s saying ‘what a fool believes, he sees. The wise man has the power to reason away’
"No wise man has the power..."
@@eggnogfrog The power is the ability,to reason, Do not believe everything you see,and only half of what you hear.
@@eggnogfrog I always thought it was "the wise man...' , but "no wise man..." Makes more sense to the rest of the song. Thanx for sharing.
Robert Ferguson Right on 👍
@t beaton What a fool believes he sees. No wise man has the power to reason away.
Flat earth believers are a prime example of this fact.
Soul has no color..... I love that!
I was shocked to play this out loud and my 12 year old son knew the lyrics word for word. I had NO CLUE. Music is the great unifier.
This is on my EASY playlist with 300+ songs. Wise people have the power! Love us brotha!
One of the greatest songs ever recorded!!!
So lovely seeing someone watching so enjoyable the music I love. “What a fool believes, he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away” and “ What seems to be is always better than nothing” means “ There’s no point trying to reason with a deluded fool. He sees what he wants to see and you’ll never convince him that he is wrong. But maybe he is happier with his delusion. For a lonely fool, a fantasy love maybe better than no love at all” love this song.
Agreed. I was looking for someone to explain this. I'd only remove the first comma: “What a fool believes he sees, no wise man has the power to reason away.” Also, I imagine a scene where the former lovers are meeting somewhere publicly, and she has decided to leave, therefore he "rises to her apology," that is, he gets up as she makes her excuse to bail. This is what the song indicates where a reasonable observer sees that he is "watching her go," meaning that she is going away from him forever. It is a beautiful song about his love and hope and the self-delusion to sustain that in the face of what otherwise is the crushing reality of her lost love. He can't even realize that he never made her think twice. She clearly saw that it was over. Nothing he could say or do could convince her to reconsider. Once she made the decision, she made an excuse to leave, which he accepted as if it were true, as if she had an important engagement elsewhere, as if this was just a normal thing and he would see her again. It's so hard to acknowledge the truth in such a devastating circumstance.
Well said
@JohnKelly Dude, I am just absolutely devastated now that I understand.
I've been in love with this song since it first came out, and it's on my playlist. Also saw them in concert way back when. Great band.
You have, without question, the best reaction show on the net! Whenever I need a smile I just tune you in. You take such obvious joy doing it that it's contagious. I also enjoy your interpretations of the lyrics. You seem to be able to take extremely deep, complicated concepts and bring them down to 'street' logic.
Your love of music is SO AWESOME. You have an old soul and a big heart!
"The wise man has the power "
The tremendous hooks and irresistible vibe of this song are akin to the sheer euphoria felt by a fat kid turned loose in a candy store...pure joy and sweetness. Feel the goodness.
Nice analogy haha
A MONSTROUSLY great song indeed! I loved watching your reaction. It actually made me well up with joy. This song is perfect pop, made with incredibly relaxed and natural sophistication in the late 70s. This might have been pop music’s heyday, as recording quality, musicianship and songwriting skills were all at their height. Thanks for posting this!
I remember this song SO WELL!! I was 18 yrs old & LOVED Michael McDonald singing this song (lead singer). Both he & Kenny Loggins wrote this song too. Absolutely fantastic!! 💖💖💖
Ambrosia songs You’re The Only Woman, Biggest Part of Me, How Much I Feel
Yes! I used to get them mixed up with the group Player.
YES to those 3 Ambrosia songs. I can't even.
I'd be honored if some Ambrosia & Jamal fans would take a listen to my acoustic piano & vocal performances of YOU'RE THE ONLY WOMAN and WHAT A FOOL BELIEVES by Michael McDonald on my YT channel in tribute to the masters of late 70s/early 80s groove. Live acoustic with no autotune. Peace & stays safe.
Oh man, I just went straight back to college.
Nice Nice Very Nice by Ambrosia is a gem
"It's so catchy" Damn straight. This song's more catchy than the coronavirus! LOL (We can all come back and look at these comments, years from now, and reminisce: "We were there! We lived it!")
My Brother Rob....you are killin 'me...BWAAAHHH!! Testify, my brother.....keep the faith!
@jaime herrera Is this the actual Jaime Herrera, the politician?
No coronavirus jokes please
Robert Zeurunkl well said!
LOL, too soon
I remember thirty years ago explaining to a friend from work how I'd fallen in love and couldn't tell her how I felt, and that she left and I thought I was dying (he'd asked earlier what was wrong so I suggested going for a drink). Just as I was telling this to him, the stereo system in the bar we were in started playing this song over the speakers. Totally random and totally appropriate. I'll never forget that moment.
This song has always resonated with me. The fact that it came out the year I was born could be a factor
Check out “It Keeps You Runnin” another Doobies classic jam with Michael McDonald on lead vocals. A cold jam for sure!
Travis Finnerty, It keeps you Runnin' is chilling with McDonald's vocals. Chills /tears here
YES, I was going to see if he covered that one
I LOVE that song!
I don’t think he’s done it yet, he left off on Takin It To The Streets
I'd never heard it until Forrest Gump. Loved it ever since
I love his reactions, so genuine....makes me smile:-)
One of my favorites. Michael Douglas is a genius! Doobie Brothers aren't bad either - harmonies are killer!!!
You know you can sing when the fellas are getting goosebumps too. lol Those harmonies
Michael _McDonald_ *
@Blaze 114 I must've posted this late at night. LOL My mistake. 😁