Ricky Nelson – Poor Little Fool

Introduction

Poor Little Fool is a classic song written by Sharon Sheeley and first recorded by Ricky Nelson in 1958. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody have made it a timeless favorite.

Background

Sharon Sheeley, a talented songwriter, penned this song when she was just **15 years old**. Her inspiration came from a personal experience: a short-lived relationship with **Don Everly** of The Everly Brothers.
Despite her youth, Sheeley had already met **Elvis Presley**, who encouraged her to pursue songwriting. “Poor Little Fool” emerged from her feelings of disappointment after her romance with Everly ended.
Ricky Nelson, already a popular singer, was introduced to the song by Sheeley herself. He agreed to record it, and the rest is history.

Significance

When Billboard magazine published its first Hot 100 singles chart in August 1958, “Poor Little Fool” claimed the top spot as their first #1 hit.
Ricky Nelson’s rendition featured The Jordanaires, who were famously Elvis Presley’s backing singers. However, they remained uncredited due to their association with Elvis.
Despite Ricky Nelson’s initial hesitation about the song’s hit potential, his father, bandleader **Ozzie Nelson**, recognized its appeal. Ozzie convinced Ricky’s label to release it as a single.
Interestingly, Ricky refused to approve a photo for the cover and declined to perform it on the family TV show, *The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet*. Nevertheless, Ozzie’s instincts proved correct.

In summary, “Poor Little Fool” not only became Ricky Nelson’s first #1 hit but also marked an important milestone for female songwriters—Sharon Sheeley being the first woman to compose an American chart-topper on her own. The song’s emotional resonance continues to captivate

Did You Know?

Debut Single Success: “Poor Little Fool” by Ricky Nelson holds the distinction of being his debut single. Released in 1958, it skyrocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Nelson the youngest artist to have a number one single on the chart at just 18 years old. The song’s immediate success catapulted Nelson to stardom, solidifying his place in rock and roll history.

Songwriting Credits: “Poor Little Fool” was penned by Sharon Sheeley, who was romantically involved with Ricky Nelson at the time. Sheeley wrote the song based on her personal experiences, drawing inspiration from her tumultuous relationship with Nelson. Despite their breakup, Nelson recognized the song’s potential and chose to record it as his debut single, leading to its widespread acclaim.

Influential Impact: “Poor Little Fool” is often credited as one of the pioneering tracks of the rockabilly genre. Its fusion of rock and roll rhythms with country and pop influences set the stage for Nelson’s future success and helped shape the sound of 1950s rock music. The song’s catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics resonated with audiences, solidifying Nelson’s status as a teenage heartthrob and music icon.

Cover Versions: Over the years, “Poor Little Fool” has been covered by numerous artists across various genres, further cementing its status as a classic. Its timeless appeal and enduring popularity continue to captivate listeners, making it a beloved favorite among fans of rock and roll music.

Legacy: “Poor Little Fool” remains one of Ricky Nelson’s most iconic and beloved songs. Its chart-topping success, combined with its influence on the rock and roll genre, ensures its lasting legacy as a cornerstone of 1950s music history.

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

She played around and teased 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

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

The next day she was gone and I knew she’d lied to me

She left me with a broken heart, won her victory

Poor little fool, oh yeah, I was a fool, uh huh

But I’d 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

Poor little fool, oh yeah, I was a fool, uh huh