Certain Kind of Fool
Encyclopedia
"Certain Kind of Fool" is a song by the American rock band the Eagles featuring bassist Randy Meisner
on lead vocals, with Don Henley
performing the main harmony vocal and Glenn Frey
providing backing vocals. Frey also plays the electric guitar part and solo; Bernie Leadon
plays the acoustic guitar. It was released as the B-side to Outlaw Man
, the second single from 1973's Desperado.
The song depicts the progression of a criminal from his meager beginnings as a "poor boy living in a small family", to his mastery of the gun as an adult, and ending with his stance as a "wanted man", constantly on the run from the law.
This song could also be taken as a view of the life of a musician. The phrase, "he saw it in a window" is unclear whether he is speaking of a gun or guitar, the same with "he took it to the country and practiced for days without rest," being a "wanted man" can also mean that he is wanted by his fans. "Running every day" can also mean either running from the law, or constantly being on the road, touring with the band.
Randy Meisner
Randy Herman Meisner is an American musician and songwriter, best known as a founding member of Poco and the Eagles...
on lead vocals, with Don Henley
Don Henley
Donald Hugh "Don" Henley is an American singer, songwriter and drummer, best known as a founding member of the Eagles before launching a successful solo career. Henley was the drummer and lead vocalist for the Eagles from 1971–1980, when the band broke up...
performing the main harmony vocal and Glenn Frey
Glenn Frey
Glenn Lewis Frey is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Frey formed the Eagles after he met drummer Don Henley in 1970 and the two eventually joined Linda Ronstadt's backup band for her summer tour. The Eagles formed in 1971 and...
providing backing vocals. Frey also plays the electric guitar part and solo; Bernie Leadon
Bernie Leadon
Bernard Mathew "Bernie" Leadon, III is an American musician and songwriter, best known as a founding member of the Eagles. Prior to the Eagles, he was a member of two pioneering and highly influential country rock bands, Dillard & Clark and the Flying Burrito Brothers...
plays the acoustic guitar. It was released as the B-side to Outlaw Man
Outlaw Man
"Outlaw Man" is a song written by David Blue and recorded by the American rock band Eagles. It was the second single from the band's second album Desperado....
, the second single from 1973's Desperado.
The song depicts the progression of a criminal from his meager beginnings as a "poor boy living in a small family", to his mastery of the gun as an adult, and ending with his stance as a "wanted man", constantly on the run from the law.
This song could also be taken as a view of the life of a musician. The phrase, "he saw it in a window" is unclear whether he is speaking of a gun or guitar, the same with "he took it to the country and practiced for days without rest," being a "wanted man" can also mean that he is wanted by his fans. "Running every day" can also mean either running from the law, or constantly being on the road, touring with the band.