Act Like a Fool
Dolly Parton · Heartbreak Express
You treat me mean and cold and cruel
You make me do things that I hate to do
Why do you make me act like a fool?
Now that you know just how much I care
You treat me mean and it ain't right nor fair
I keep holdin' on though I don't know what to
While you make me act like a fool
You know just how to hurt me and you often do
When we're out in publib I start fightin' with you
You start trouble in private when nobody knows
Oh, then you go away smellin' just like a rose
Though you make me act like a fool
You treat me mean cold and cruel
You make me do things that I hate to do
Oh, why must you make me act like a fool?
You know just how to hurt me as you often do
You start flirtin' in public with somebody new
You start trouble in private when nobody knows
Oh then you go away smellin' just like a rose
Though you make me act like a fool
You treat mean and cold and cruel
You make me do things that I hate to do
Oh but why do you make, oh why do I let you
Make me look like a fool?
Act Like a Fool
Dolly Parton's "Act Like a Fool" stands as a poignant example of her mastery in country-pop storytelling, delivered with her signature vocal clarity. Recorded for the 1978 album *Heartbreak Express*, the track exemplifies the era's blend of traditional country instrumentation and polished pop sensibilities that defined her career. The song explores themes of emotional vulnerability and the difficulty of maintaining composure in the face of heartbreak, a subject Parton addressed with remarkable authenticity throughout her discography. As a staple of her live performances and a staple of her catalog, the recording showcases her ability to convey deep feeling through melody and lyricism without relying on dramatic vocal effects. It remains a significant song in her body of work, reflecting the enduring appeal of her songwriting and the cultural impact of her music during the late 1970s.