The Lingering Echo of Lost Love: Elkie Brooks‘ Heart-Wrenching Ballad
A Heartbreaking Farewell Veiled in False Hope.
In the tapestry of popular music, certain songs possess a timeless quality, their melodies and lyrics weaving themselves into the very fabric of our memories. Elkie Brooks‘ rendition of “Fool If You Think It’s Over” is undoubtedly one such gem. Released in 1981 as part of her highly successful album Pearls, this poignant ballad, originally penned and recorded by Chris Rea in 1978, resonated deeply with audiences, climbing to number 17 on the UK Singles Chart in early 1982 and even reaching number 6 in Ireland. While Rea‘s original achieved considerable success in the United States, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, it was Brooks‘ soulful interpretation that truly captured the hearts of many in the UK and beyond, becoming one of her signature songs.
The story behind “Fool If You Think It’s Over” is rather touching. Chris Rea was inspired to write the song after witnessing his younger sister’s heartbreak over the end of her first serious relationship. Intending it to be a piece that Al Green might record, Rea envisioned a Memphis blues sound. However, the production took a different turn, resulting in a more mellow, “California thing,” as Rea himself described it. Despite his initial reservations about his own recording, it became his biggest hit in the States.
When Elkie Brooks decided to cover the song for her Pearls album, she brought her own distinctive vocal prowess to the track. Her rich, husky voice imbued the lyrics with a raw emotionality that resonated with listeners who had experienced the bittersweet pangs of lost love. Produced by the legendary Gus Dudgeon, who also helmed Rea‘s original, Brooks‘ version maintained the song’s inherent melancholic beauty while adding a layer of seasoned understanding. She had long admired Chris Rea as a songwriter and felt a strong connection to the song’s sentiment.
The meaning of “Fool If You Think It’s Over” lies in its delicate portrayal of denial and the lingering hope after a relationship has ended. The lyrics speak to someone who believes they are free from the pain of a breakup, only to be gently reminded that the emotional scars remain, and the journey of healing has just begun. Lines like “A dyin’ flame, you’re free again / Who could love, do that to you?” paint a picture of someone trying to convince themselves and others that they are over it. Yet, the recurring refrain, “Fool if you think it’s over / ‘Cause you said goodbye / Fool if you think it’s over / Tell you why,” serves as a tender but firm reality check. The “newborn eyes” that “always cry with pain / At the first look at the morning sun” symbolize the fresh hurt and vulnerability that resurface even after a seemingly final farewell.
For those of us who remember the early 1980s, Elkie Brooks was a formidable presence on the music scene. With her powerful voice and charismatic stage presence, she carved out a unique niche, blending elements of rock, blues, and jazz. Pearls, the album that featured “Fool If You Think It’s Over”, became her most commercially successful album, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and remaining a constant presence for an astonishing 79 weeks. This period marked a significant high point in her career, solidifying her status as one of Britain’s leading female vocalists.
Interestingly, Chris Rea himself had a memorable encounter with Elkie Brooks after she recorded her version. He approached her backstage after one of her Top of the Pops performances of the song, disguised as a fan, to ask for her autograph. This anecdote speaks to the mutual respect and admiration between the two artists for their respective interpretations of the same heartfelt song.
“Fool If You Think It’s Over” in Elkie Brooks‘ capable hands became more than just a cover; it evolved into a definitive rendition that many associate most strongly with her. It’s a song that evokes a sense of nostalgia, perhaps reminding us of youthful heartbreaks and the slow, often painful, process of moving on. The gentle melody, combined with Brooks‘ emotive delivery, creates an atmosphere of quiet reflection, a space to acknowledge the lingering echoes of love lost. It’s a testament to the power of a well-crafted song and the magic that happens when a truly gifted vocalist connects with its emotional core, leaving an indelible mark on our musical memories.