Elvis Presley – (Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I

Elvis Presley – “(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I”: A Smooth Blend of Country and Pop Charm

Released in 1959, “(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I” is one of Elvis Presley’s most elegant and polished performances from the late 1950s. Originally a country tune recorded by Hank Snow in 1952, Elvis gave it his signature twist—infusing the song with a pop sensibility, polished vocal control, and just enough emotional vulnerability to make it unforgettable.

Recorded while Elvis was on leave from his military service in Germany, the track was part of a two-song session that also produced “I Need Your Love Tonight.” Despite the limited studio time, the quality of the session was remarkable. Released as a double A-side single, “(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I” reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and went all the way to #1 in the UK, where it became one of Elvis’s biggest international hits.

The lyrics speak of heartbreak and regret, delivered with grace and restraint:
“Now and then there’s a fool such as I / Pardon me if I’m sentimental, when we say goodbye.”
It’s a simple, bittersweet message of a man who admits he still loves someone who’s moved on, and Elvis’s delivery is both dignified and deeply emotional.

Musically, the arrangement is understated and classy. The Jordanaires provide lush backing vocals, while the instrumentation—featuring piano, gentle guitar, and subtle percussion—creates a smooth, swing-inflected rhythm that sits comfortably between pop and country. Elvis’s vocal performance is crystal clear and filled with sincerity, highlighting his ability to convey complex feelings with effortless control.

“(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I” also marked a stylistic moment in Elvis’s career when he was maturing both musically and personally. It was a sign of his growing versatility—not just the hip-shaking rockabilly rebel of “Hound Dog” or “Jailhouse Rock,” but a refined vocalist capable of interpreting heartfelt ballads with sophistication.

Decades later, this song remains a favorite among fans of Elvis’s more romantic and polished recordings. It continues to appear on greatest hits collections and soundtracks, beloved for its timeless melody and elegant simplicity.

With “(Now and Then There’s) A Fool Such as I,” Elvis Presley once again proved that he could take a country classic, make it his own, and turn it into something that transcended genres—something timeless.

Video

Lyric

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

Now and then there’s a fool such as I
Pardon me, if I’m sentimental
When we say goodbye
Don’t be angry with me should I cry
When you’re gone, yet I’ll dream
A little dream as years go by
Now and then there’s a fool such as INow and then there’s a fool such as I am over you
You taught me how to love
And now you say that we are through
I’m a fool, but I’ll love you dear
Until the day I die
Now and then there’s a fool such as INow and then there’s a fool such as I am over you
You taught me how to love
And now you say that we are through
I’m a fool, but I’ll love you dear
Until the day I die
Now and then there’s a fool such as I
Now and then there’s a fool such as I
Now and then there’s a fool such as I