A Fool’s Paradise is an expression that describes “a state of enjoyment based on false beliefs or hopes; a state of illusory happiness.” From a mental health perspective – and, come to think of it, from nearly all perspectives I can think of – to live in a fool’s paradise is not a good thing. Living in a fool’s paradise is to be avoided. What’s generally recommended is to doggedly maintain a realistic approach, to face life soberly, to see things as they are. Of course, when an individual is living in a fool’s paradise, he or she is typically foolish and unaware of their error. That’s why they call it a fool’s paradise. a definite quandary! Still, even if and when we are living in a fool’s paradise, it’s good to be aware of it. It’s a good start. Here’s Maybank doing a sweet rendition of the song.
The song was written in the early 1950’s by Mable Cordle, Bob Geddins and Johnny Fuller, and recorded by Fuller in 1954. Sam Cooke recorded it in 1963. Leon Russell and Willie Nelson and many others blues artists also have recorded the song. It has some nice chords for a blues song. And the message is sobering and instructive. Keep it real.
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