Only a Fool
Dottie West · Careless Hands [RCA Victor] [1971]
Only a fool could keep on loving you
If it's crazy to love you then I'm crazy 'cause I do
You don't care who's heart you're breaking
Only a fool could keep on loving you.
Only a fool would cling to love
When it's such a hopeless thing
Stay around and worship you
Knowing you don't feel the same.
I don't know why I even want you
You don't need me you told me so
If there's a chance that you might love me
Only a fool would ever let you go.
Only a fool would ever let you go...
Only a Fool
Dottie West's "Only a Fool" stands as a defining track from her 1971 album *Careless Hands*, showcasing her mastery of the honky-tonk and country pop styles that characterized her career. Recorded for RCA Victor, the song exemplifies her ability to blend traditional country instrumentation with a polished, radio-friendly production that appealed to a broad audience. As a central piece of her discography, the recording highlights her vocal versatility and the emotional depth she brought to songs about heartbreak and resilience. Released during a period when West was solidifying her status as a leading female voice in country music, the track remains a testament to her enduring influence on the genre's sound of the early 1970s.