Fool Me Once
King Crimson · Other Songs - King Crimson
Just gotten out
I didn't know
What this world was all about
I was lied to, i was cheated
I played all kinds of fools
It didn't take me long
To learn the rules
Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on me
Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on me
Lady swore she loved me
Loved through and through
And then my pal said
She said she loved him, too
And the milkman and the postman
And in a dream
I saw her with the local
Football team
Fool me once, shame on you
Fool me twice, shame on me
Fool me once
Do me as bad as you can do
Shame on you
Shame on you
Fool me twice
I'll be as mad as i can be
Shame on me
Shame on me
Banker took my money
Bought him a stake
The banker swore that one day
We'd both feel great
Then the 80's turned to the 90's
And my money can't be found
Banker's on a long trip
Out of town
Fool me once
Do me as bad as you can do
Shame on you
Shame on you
Fool me twice
I'll be as mad as i can be
Shame on me
Shame on me
Fool Me Once
King Crimson's "Fool Me Once" stands as a defining track within the band's progressive rock catalog, exemplifying the group's signature fusion of complex time signatures, intricate guitar work, and atmospheric textures. Released during a pivotal era for the ensemble, the recording showcases the collaborative prowess of members like Robert Fripp and Michael Giles, capturing the band's evolution from their early jazz-rock influences toward a more avant-garde sound. The composition serves as a testament to the group's commitment to technical virtuosity and compositional depth, offering a listening experience that challenges conventional structures while maintaining a cohesive emotional narrative. As a key piece in their discography, it remains a staple for fans seeking to explore the intricate layers of King Crimson's musical legacy.

