About The Song
Remember those simpler times, when rock and roll was young and Elvis Presley was the king? His electrifying performances sent shivers down spines and his signature swagger had hearts aflutter. But Elvis wasn’t all about the hip gyrations and electrifying energy. He also possessed a remarkable ability to deliver a ballad with a depth of emotion that could leave you breathless. (Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I is a prime example of this lesser-known side of The King.
Released in 1959, the song arrived at a turning point in Elvis’ career. He was fresh off a stint in the army, and his music began to evolve beyond the pure rockabilly sound that had made him a sensation. (Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I showcases this shift, blending the soulful vulnerability of country music with the smooth production values of the burgeoning rock and roll scene.
The song itself, originally written by Bill Trader in 1952, was already a country hit for artists like Hank Snow. But in Elvis’ hands, it took on a whole new life. His velvety vocals weave a tale of a lovesick fool, clinging to memories and wrestling with the pain of separation. Lines like “Pardon me, if I’m sentimental/When we say goodbye” and “Don’t be angry with me should I cry” paint a picture of a man deeply affected by a love that seems out of reach.
However, there’s a quiet strength beneath the surface of this heartache. The song acknowledges the foolishness of holding onto a fading love, yet there’s a glimmer of hope that flickers in the lines “Now and then there’s a fool such as I/A little dream as years go by.” This acceptance of vulnerability, the willingness to wear his heart on his sleeve, is what makes the song so relatable.
(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I might not have the same raw energy as Elvis’ more rock-driven anthems, but it offers a different kind of power. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever loved and lost, a reminder that even the strongest among us can be fools for love. So, put on your blue suede shoes, turn down the lights, and let Elvis’ tender side wash over you in this timeless ballad.