THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

933-The Rolling Stones-Fool to Cry.

1976-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.55. In the wonderful world of ‘Pop Music,’ where longevity is at a premium, the majority of artists have produced their best work within a couple of Albums. The Rolling Stones were in their 14th year, and on to Album Number 15.

‘Fool to Cry’ was the first of two singles released from The Rolling Stones 13th British, and 15th American studio Album,’Black and Blue,’ from April 1976. The only other single,’Hot Stuff,’ which is the opening song on the Album failed to chart in the UK, and stalled at Number 49 on Billboard in America. ‘Fool to Cry’ was co-written by Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards, with the production also credited to them, under their working production name of ‘The Glimmer Twins.’ It is probably fair to say that the song was more a composition by Jagger rather than Richards, as it is well known Richards is not a fan of the song, in fact it is said that he once fell asleep while the ‘Stones’ were performing the song in 1976 while touring Germany. Keith Richards has said,’I was just glad somebody in the band could sing that falsetto. I got a pretty good falsetto myself, but when you got a singer and he can hit those notes, baby go for it. And Mick was always fascinated with the falsetto Soul singers like Aaron Neville.

Sir Michael Philip Jagger was born on July 26th, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, he was honoured with a knighthood for services to popular music in the ‘Queen’s 2002 Birthday Honours’ list. Mick Jagger who was inspired by ‘Blues Music’ from an early age, went on to play a major role in the development of ‘Rock Music’ in the 1960’s, and is recognised as one of the most influential ‘frontmen’ of all time, with his energetic performances. His way of singing in those early days with the ‘Stones’ led the way for the acceptance of ‘Rock’ vocalists with a different style from the norm, such as Bob Dylan, and Van Morrisson, to become more widely accepted, and appreciated. Away from The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has released five solo studio Albums between 1972-2001, and 22 singles, between 1970-2022. In the UK, five of those single have made the top 40, with his 1985 collaboration with David Bowie (1946-2016) on ‘Dancing in the Street,’ reaching Number 1. While in America on Billboard he has charted within the top 40 on four occasions, with ‘Dancing in the Street’ peaking the highest at Number 7. For further reading on Mick Jagger away from The Rolling Stones in this countdown (see also best songs 639 and 373.)

‘Fool to Cry’ was issued as a single three days after the release of it’s parent Album ‘Black and Blue,’ on April 26th, 1976. The Album was greeted with mixed reviews, with some music critics acclaiming it, while others totally panned it, which just goes to show the futility of trying to get anyone to agree on a ‘Best 1000 songs’ of all time list. The Album was recorded at a transitional time for The Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 662-452-160 and 77) as their former guitarist Mick Taylor had quit in December 1974, and numerous guitarists were being auditioned, with Ronnie Wood finally being chosen as the replacement, although on ‘Fool to Cry,’ it was Wayne Jenkins who had auditioned, and was chosen to play on the track.The Rolling Stones who performed on ‘Fool to Cry’ were Mick Jagger, (lead vocals) Keith Richards, (guitar) Bill Wyman, (bass) and Charlie Watts (1941-2021) (drums.) The only other guest artist on the song was Nicky Hopkins, (1944-1994) (piano and synthesizer) who has been a session musician on many other songs on this countdown.

And now the difficult bit, what is the meaning of the song ‘Fool to Cry’ all about. A man comes home after working all night, he puts his daughter on his knee, and she asks him, whats wrong? He doesn’t tell her, and she tells him he is foolish to cry. From time to time he goes to visit a woman on the other side of town, and they make love. She also tries to get him to tell her what is troubling him, and she comes to the same conclusion as the daughter, that he is a fool to cry. Song lyrics are always open to interpretation, and here we are left wondering, is he cheating on someone, is he suffering from depression, does he want his cake and eat it, or is it something else.

‘Even my friends say to me sometimes, and make out like I don’t understand them. You know what they say? They say, ooh daddy you’re a fool to cry, you’re a fool to cry, and it makes me wonder why.’