Soul Music

The song “Chain of Fools” was written by Don Covay, an R&B, rock and roll, and soul singer/songwriter. It was released as a single late in 1967 with “Prove It” on the B-Side. It has also been on many of Franklin’s albums. By 1968, “Chain of Fools” had risen to #1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Rhythm & Blues Chart, #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and #4 in Canada. Atlantic producer Jerry Wexler had asked Covey to write songs for Otis Redding. However, when Wexler heard it, he felt it was a good song for Aretha Franklin.

It won her a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. The song is also on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. On the recording are Aretha Franklin (lead vocals and grand piano), backing vocals by Carolyn Franklin, Erma Franklin, Ellie Greenwich, and the Sweet Inspirations , Joe South (lead guitar), Jimmy Johnson (rhythm guitar, Tommy Cogbill (bass), Spooner Oldham (electric piano), Roger Hawkins (drums).

Aretha Louise Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1942, and became a singer, a musician, and the undisputed Queen of Soul. She continues to tour and perform.

Here are the lyrics to “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin:

“Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools

For five long years
I thought you were my man
But I found out
I’m just a link in your chain

You got me where you want me
I ain’t nothin’ but your fool
Ya treated me mean
Oh you treated me cruel

Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools

Every chain, has got a weak link
I might be weak yeah
But I’ll give you strength
Oh, hey

You told me to leave you alone
My father said, “Come on home”
My doctor said, “Take it easy”
Oh but your lovin’ is much too strong
I’m added to your

Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools

One of these mornings
The chain is gonna break
But up until the day
I’m gonna take all I can take, oh hey

Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chain
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
(Chain, chain, chain)
Chain of fools

Chain, chain, chai-i-in
Chain, chain, chain
Chain, chain, chai-i-in
Chain of fools”

If you want to read about and listen to another song by Aretha Franklin: “Respect.”

Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ commercial free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin.