Whose Fool I Wanna Be – Gene Watson

Introduction:

“Whose Fool I Wanna Be” is a track by Gene Watson from his 1992 album In Other Words. The album, released by Broadland International and Mercury Records, reflects Watson’s hallmark traditional country sound. Produced by Gary Buck, this song stands out with its blend of heartfelt lyrics and classic country instrumentation, encapsulating the themes of love and heartache that are central to Watson’s music.

Gene Watson, known for his smooth tenor voice and emotionally resonant ballads, enjoyed success in the 1970s and 1980s, with “Whose Fool I Wanna Be” marking a continuation of his rich storytelling in the early 1990s. The track fits seamlessly within In Other Words, an album featuring songs about personal reflection, love, and the passage of time, with “Whose Fool I Wanna Be” exploring the emotions tied to romantic vulnerability and choices.

This album, released during a period when country music was seeing significant shifts toward more mainstream sounds, stayed true to Watson’s roots in honky-tonk and traditional country, appealing to both his long-time fans and new listeners drawn to his authentic style.

Video:

Lyrics:

“Whose Fool I Wanna Be”

Not a word is spoken as she’s putting on her makeup
And I smell that perfume and it takes me
To a time when she wore it just for me
Knowing her, she thinks I’ll hang around here ’til she gets home
She thinks I don’t mind being here alone
She finds her purse and fumbles for her keysShe don’t know (she don’t know)
‘Cross town, there’s a lady I’ve been seeing
And on certain nights, when all I feel is human
When that lonely woman feels like using me
I could go (go) and know she wouldn’t want me once I’ve had her
I could sit and wait up for the one that matters
It’s just a matter of whose fool I wanna be

But I love the one that just pulled off my ring
But I need the one who doesn’t mean a thing
And I don’t wanna leave, don’t wanna stay
Knowing I’ll be losing either way

The telephone and silence waits for me to make that call
Our wedding picture hangs there on the wall
Looking down on what any fool can see
It’s just a matter of whose fool I wanna be
It’s just a matter of whose fool I wanna be