The Fixx - The Fool [1982]

The FIXX "The Fool" from 'Shuttered Room' [1982]
The Lyrics:
A sort of place you don't often find
A quiet room to go out of your mind
Will you excuse me whilst I confide
I've found a place where I can hide
Lights out by nine as a rule
One grey blanket and a stool
Angels fear to tread where stands the fool
But the air is warm, and the walls are cool
So I'm kept away, so here I'll stay
Even the judges kneel and pray
I am the winner in any event, SNAP!
Who was the man who said society's bent?
So I'm locked away in my padded cocoon
Square of hell where nightmares bloom
Armageddon couldn't come too soon
But if it only meant that I could leave this room
Here stands the Fool
Here stands the Fool
Here stands the Fool...

[@daviddanser7801]

I can still remember the day I got Shuttered Room on cassette, it was a birthday present from my Mom. For a debut album, this is absolutely fantastic. Every track is excellent

[@andrewpetik2034]

Yes! I wore my cassette out!

[@cosmotraumatika7474]

I was an American foreign exchange student in Westphalia Germany. Went down to the local music store and bought the European release album on vinyl. Brought it back and played it on the stereo in my host family's late 1800s brewery mansion. Got utterly lost in this album. Absolute genius. I was instantly channeled into WW1 - Stand or Fall, The Fool. The Fixx was so impactful I wondered if I wasn't connecting with memories of a prior life as a German soldier who fell in the Great War. This album is absolute, timeless mastery.

[@davidcrocker3667]

Mom gave you Shuttered Room! Watta bird! Ooorah! Ma!

[@MDCSWildcats86]

Did your cassette hav THE FOOL ending Side 1 and RED SKIES ending Side 2 like mine did?

[@halholstein5375]

No auto tune, just pure talent with lyrics and the instruments

[@majestik101]

The Fixx were ahead of their time. Great song

[@robertmichael7068]

actually The Fixx best represented the times we were living in! On the edge of insanity! No different today! The Fixx is still relevant!!!

[@voodoodoldrums]

someone broke into my car in 1985 this was the only cassette they didn't steal, was in the cassette player lmao thank you thief

[@rinohunter6190]

voodoodoldrums the Fool lol

[@mikeyg9619]

Best song ever.

[@MrsBlaileen1]

Your thieves had poor taste to leave this gem behind...

[@seansollars70]

Yeah in 1987 someone broke into my car and stole a big box of my cassettes.

[@HungryForHeat]

😅 😂 🤣

[@bnbwhitezombie]

When I first heard The Fixx, the music was so different than anything I had ever heard before...but it was excellent. I was blown away! I've loved listening to them for over 30 years now!

[@bnbwhitezombie]

LOL...You're right Kent, the men and women did look pretty much alike back then. Wore the same clothes and hair-do's!

[@keithbornzin8888]

White Zombie DITTO! Different than everyone else & STILL GREAT LIVE NOW!

[@artis1969]

This shit is still revolutionary 40 years later. So many bands owe them a debt whether they realize it or not.

[@MAL-Collector]

I had the same feeling with talking heads.

[@wombatfritter]

Brilliant! R.I.P. Rupert Hine.

[@Kazilikaya]

I love how they capture the feeling of isolation in this song.

[@amfanmagician]

Turn out the lights. Put the headphones on. F'ing awesome.

[@prepressdept8424]

LOL! I know what you mean. I did that!

[@montiac1970]

Best Fixx song ever.

[@smpryde1]

great intelligent lyrics and beat- the fixx always stood out and carved they're own unique sound.

[@rinohunter6190]

smpryde1 and prolific

[@exactsame]

One of the most underrated bands ever, particularly here in the UK So pleased they got recognition across the pond in the US What a debut album!

[@DavidWG48]

We LOVE The Fixx here in the US. They are consummate musicians.

[@andrewpetik2034]

This album is incredible! I had on cassette tape.....wore it out. Had it on CD... converted to a digital library. Sold my CDs and lost the whole library when my hard drive crashed. (Make backups children😅😊.) I now have my library on LPs. And KZbin is always around.

[@Perigaeum]

Absolutely underrated.

[@vivekseereeram6569]

Not by me ................... and obviously not by you

[@Perigaeum]

@@vivekseereeram6569 Simply grand.

[@shadowselfCA]

And there it is. On every song on KZbin, even if the band had platinum albums in multiple countries, won multiple awards, and was no stranger to the top 10, there is always someone who will come along and say they were underrated.

[@Perigaeum]

Sir, I respect your position, Sir. Yet, you infight my subjective feelings. Just my opinion :-)@@shadowselfCA

[@Perigaeum]

@@shadowselfCA I am talking about a subjective feeling. A feeling that could entangle with your subjectiveness. All in good moods.

[@andrewpetik2034]

This song is absolutely mesmerizing!! It creates a beautiful, haunting atmosphere. Lush and desolate all at once. Wrought with desperation. Hopeful as it hints at consolation. The album is just excellent!! The Fixx is timeless.

[@Mannchild11]

Don't worry. I've decided that we are not stuck in the 80's...the 80's just won't leave us. lol. My favorite genre.

[@churchtroll]

with headphones @ 2:26 I can hear a little laugh : ) Never noticed it before. I think I love this song even more for it.

[@RedVynil]

I fucking LOVE the era when this stuff came out!!!! Once they let us have time travel, I'm going back to the `60's to scoop up tons of great psych that I missed the first time around and to the early `80's to relive a lot of the great stuff I was doing back then!!!!

[@brfts2001]

Man, this sounds so way ahead for 1982!

[@johntempleton885]

The controlled violence of the guitar riffs are just a joy to behold, long live the fixx

[@gaw67]

So so good..... miss em and the 80,s 💔

[@livefree1249]

Another thought provoking song by The FIXX.......I think we all feel isolated in different ways......Great Song!!!.....Long live The FIXX.

[@rockdesertsun8246]

Try the new bullshit isolation of 2021! I hope your still around, you would be if you didn't get 'the Vaxx!'

[@rockdesertsun8246]

Don't give into the fake isolation of 2021! And if you avoid the damned Vaxx, you'll live a lot longer!

[@sammytheonionhead]

Their first three albums are complete MASTERPIECES! Cy rules!

[@sbradyork]

One of the best Fixx songs! Love this!

[@Blackscorpion1963]

I'm stuck in the '80s meself...I turn 50 this year...so the '80s for me was when it all happened essentially...began drinking Coruba rum, discovered this band and New Order - can still remember when 'Blue Monday' came out, I was really into Talking Heads and Australian rockers Cold Chisel, The Angels, and Icehouse. Saw those last 3 live over here in New Zealand. The '80s were all about NATURALLY faded Levi jeans, white T-shirt, and black suede pointed boots. I loved The Clash too.

[@999klondike]

I'm a fool for the Fixx.

[@cosmotraumatika7474]

Bought this album in Dusseldorf Germany (got the German cut) when it was just released in 82. Changed my world and 40+ years later, the sound is so radically fresh and innovative. So glad we've seen The Fixx live many times in the USA.

[@_MrPink_]

Just unreal. Masterful.

[@coffeecupblue]

Great to see all the supportive comments. This song. Just Wow. 😮I had it on vinyl, which made it easy to have this on repeat. It was the song on the album for me... (and most of you I see... 👍) The one that sent me somewhere I wanted to go right back to. A gorgeous statement with just a few lyrics, but then... it morphs into almost an audio sculpture that leaves me floating. So I'm back here forty years later. 👌

[@tonytuthill]

Loved this from the first hearing. Loved most all from the first...but this was super favorite.

[@pax61]

Just saw them live tonight, 35 years after their heyday. Still just as great as I remember, this song one of the encore numbers. Brought down the house!

[@amfanmagician]

Good Jesus, those synths!

[@daleady]

GENIUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@railfan1984]

Love the heavy use of keyboards and synthesizers for a very futuristic sound :)

[@markandrews5547]

Just discovered this here! So amazing since I've appreciated the Fixx since 1982 or 3. What a cool tune. Has kind of a Talking Heads vibe but still totally original. 'Tis a shame when a great band is under-appreciated just because fans get distracted by guys' -- or ladies' -- good looks. That's our superficial society, which Mr. T is exploiting to a … oh forgive me, this isn't the venue. We're to enjoy ear candy and rock on til we drop!

[@2kmetalhead]

I just saw these guys at Brixton in Redondo Beach, CA and they played this song. I was blown away! The Fixx is a killer live band. Like fine wine they just get better with age. Their new songs from their new CD "Beautiful Friction" are great. Jamie's guitar just chimes me into heaven and Cy is one of the best frontmen I have ever seen. Don't miss The Fixx if they come to your town. You will regret it.

[@doubleder]

What a haunting track...love it!

[@TichySLC]

They actually played this live in Salt Lake City the other night. UN-FREAKIN'-BELIEVABLE!

[@joesassenberger]

Saw them in 1985 play this in Atlanta... mesmerizing

[@faddy24]

A golden nugget from the past. I echo the sentiments of the previous comment. From 78 - to 84 so much great music sprung out, especially from the UK. Sadly, not the case any more.

[@artistinstinct]

A THOUGHT A MACHINE AND SOME TIME...HIT RECORD......BRILLIANT!

[@almo2001]

This is so underrated. How many pop songs have this intensity curve: ....,,,----''''----,,,...

[@KrabiAdventure]

Great stuff - one of my favorites ages ago, and now have to relearn the lyrics... a strange feeling. Haven't heard this in 24 years I think...

[@bigfootdrummer4939]

OM GOODNESS THE ESSENCE OF THIS ALBUM !!

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

Just played it 20 times straight.

[@jacquesL0711]

Seeing this song 'LIVE' Was Haunting in 82***************Royal Manor.. NJ..[WAS]. Just N or Trenton like 20 Miles...

[@Netriderceo]

I got this LP in either 1984 or 85, it was my 2nd Fixx album after Reach The Beach and being in the 8th grade they were my first and only concert at that point. I still remember the day I bought it and I still have it. They became my favorite band for several years at that point

[@68lemonk]

J'ai decouvert FIXX en 1983.....et j'adore toujours autant!J'ecoute regulierement comme les 1ers albums de Violent Femmes ou le 1er album de Certain General.Tous de la meme epoque d'ailleurs....Les annees 80?Beaucoup de pepites!Maintenant?beaucoup de merdes.............

[@INDLIS]

My father loved this song a lot

[@edwardcole9361]

Timeless. Haunting. And totally Bad Ass!!!

[@philemonglynn2245]

Just about at the 40 year mark for release of this album...great baseline on this song...and the whole band is still with us and would love to tour when C19 is behind us....awesome

[@patrickdavies8132]

Watched Cy do an interview in French and he was asked which tune was his favorite on each album. He said The Fool was his favorite on the Shuttered Room Album. He described the music as painting atmospheres with the guitar and keyboards that made music making an amazing experience.

[@RedVynil]

Damn straight, Dave!!!! This is GREAT stuff!!!!

[@JohnTobia-oc6lb]

Great early Fixx song.

[@jhammons1000]

Just saw them in Falls Church last weekend and this was one of the songs they sang that was addicting as hell....it was excellent!

[@thecocktailian2091]

Its no much a song, but a story with a crescendo.

[@INDLIS]

My father loved this song

[@carlpullen8504]

A geniuses at work

[@albertmojicajr.3513]

An outstanding composition - regarding insanity. But just remember...That the so-called "Fool" has never "fallen" within this song. Insanity, nor, is going to gone "insane" a crime. AMJ metaltomotown

[@kiwifucker1]

sublime

[@stevenmccoy5103]

My favorite ALBUM

[@SunshineClementine]

A very clever song. x

[@lidarman2]

How come I can find this using search but it not have 10 million views?

[@80thtasties85]

My 80s heroes!! remember Woman o.a.T., Less Cities, Lost Planes, Outside, I live, Between the Lines ...

[@at-pn7pb]

Even better and more intense with 420!

[@dougtaft434]

I got my first Fixx in 1980 in South Bend Indiana.

[@jacquesverwiel4235]

Just the best music great band and a unique group of sound and everything else

[@scottsargent7750]

The fixx's shuttered room was the first perfect album ( of course got it when came out on vinyl ) I have ever heard of this alternative new wave punk sound. I JUST DIED !!! THEN THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS & THE CURE. BUT NEVER FORGET GOLDEN EARRING. THE CURE KEEP THE TRANCE GOING ROBERT SMITH IS TOO TOO DIE FOR. SAVED BY ZERO , CHANGING & LES CITIES WILL NEVER BE BEAT. Call it my love affair , I DO. I WOULD ADORN SMIRED RED LIPSTICK ANYTIME, provided I am also wearing my Guiter ; as we gods frequently do KISS...KISS...KISS ME !!! DOC A.K.A. SCOTT SARGENT, M.D.

[@mmttpp03]

Scott Sargent

[@philphilly4777]

Still sounds good !!

[@RedVynil]

Blue Monday? Fats Domino or Dave Edmunds version? In the `80's, I met some really great people, joined my first band, created LOTS of great new music, listened to tons more, recorded our first album and started my first solo album, nearly became famous, got my cherry popped, met The Fixx and a few others, expanded my record collection by a few thousand pieces, rediscoverd psychedelic music, eventually shaved my head, but only to prove a point, and FINALLY got a job working in a record store!!

[@RedVynil]

I'm pretty sure that's part of their goal!!

[@MWTH37]

Great Song

[@edwinvancooten7630]

got to see the fixx live at the Manhattan academy of music with flock of seagulls as warm up band about 35 yrs ago one of my favorite bands along with bebop deluxe.

[@fischerfarm5]

Still have my vinyl!!!

[@georgemathie8123]

Shuttered room is an stunning debut from my favorite band of the 80s and Cy curnin to me is an underrated vocalist and the fixx had some amazing musicians in Jamie West oram and the incredible keyboard talents of Rupert greenall

[@davekeiser4971]

Warming up with "The Fool" (and all of my other favorite Fixx tunes) before seeing them on 9/2/22 in Dallas. Can't wait.

[@rc-my9tc]

saw them live last night, and they opened with this song, and did a fantastic show

[@charmed1ify]

i like it!!!!!!

[@DnD_Adventures6966]

2020. Still going strong!

[@charleslee1879]

They'll be on tour soon if they aren't already! I saw them in 1982 and would love to see them again!

[@jacquesL0711]

Since 1982... or 81* it's Release AND witnessing them LIVE in Princeton NJ / Royal Manor... in 82*... the Same Stage view is like on the Studio/Red Skies. FIXX.... Great Stuff...

[@thereal80s]

My first concert.....

[@jeffreykalb9752]

This is not about insanity. It is about self-imposed isolation as itself a kind of madness.

[@RedVynil]

Oh! I didn't know New Order did a version. I might know it to hear it, but, the only Blue Monday I know of is the Fats Domino version which Dave Edmunds covered about 20 years later. Yeah, mine keeps growing back, though. Got it popped in June `82, again in Aug. `83 and again in Sept. `91. NEXT!!

[@philiplovings1116]

Sometimes....I wish I purchased this FIXX album first instead of PHANTOMS and like most of CURNINS WORK they are enjoyable and the record spoke of earlier and WALKABOUT has TAKEN ME on a SPIRITUAL QUEST with THEIR SONGS.....ESPECIALLY CAMPHOR!

[@JohnHoworth1971]

tune pal...

[@fenderrlee]

class of 81

[@peterklonwurst7483]

Reminds me of Simple Minds, great Song!

[@chefjacktheprofessionaldri6284]

THEY ARE BETTER THAN SIMPLE MINDS! A LOT MORE LONGEVITY!

[@alternativefm328]

Purealternative FM Through the night

[@iiimusika]

oohh

[@dexhotep4922]

Not all Hip Hop is 'dumbed down'. As a matter of fact, Hip Hop's Golden Era (late 80' - early 90s) was mostly about political and social consciousness. It was in the early nineties that the music industry decided to invest in more of the degenerative Hip Hop because as you basically said, the powers that be would like to keep the masses dumbed down so that they can exploit us to the max. But that's not all Hip Hop's fault.

[@ChrisZito-bv8ob]

Whatever 😂

[@willyguess8617]

Well then, ask yourself!! What do you think?? I'm still impressed.

[@mrjonsheppard]

look beyond all reality, and see and hear in blind darkness a foolish realm and realize that truelly can never be, of one mind, body and spirit, of any individual, upon this earth.

[@tinfoilhatter]

what can never be? careful what you wish for,right?

[@diamondunicorn1983]

tho that is true...the music business started making getting music to air harder to find because the big boys weren't making anything on MTV airplay

[@shaughno69]

@n8tureboy Yeah both Icehouse & Midnight Oil were some of my homegrown favourites. And Talk Talk I loved too - especially their film clip shot in the forrest at nigt - awesome. To get an idea about whats happening in Oz underground music check out the lofly web site in Australia. A few bands to check out are Nova Scotia, Mr Maps & aheadphonehome. The last two are very low fi - but hidden amongst the sonic wall is some very tasty production & songwriting.

[@shaughno69]

@n8tureboy Man - you're listening hard to pick that one up!! I loved this band to death as a pre-pubesent pimpled teenager. My favourite album from the 80's. This was my first album that I repeatedly listened to on headphones. It's only now I realise this album was my bridge between the crushing pain of Joy Division and the slightly less suicidal joy of New Order. It's intersting to see the debate on MTV - as I'm from Australia, and we had no MTV & the Fixx were pretty much under ground here.

[@glennpagemusic]

In a just world this would have, oh, over 150 million views or so. At least. Just sayin'.

[@Earthbone13]

Harrowing

[@CoryDetton-yy6sk]

I AM THE FOOL

[@Blackscorpion1963]

"Blue Monday" - from New Order. Ha you got your cherry popped too huh...must've been the decade for it me wonders... From Wikipedia: "Blue Monday" is a single released in 1983 by British band New Order, and later remixed in 1988 and 1995. The song has been widely remixed and covered since its original release, and became a popular anthem in the dance club scene.

[@juliacotton5081]

I'm fairly sure that Peter green all is still the sexiest man alive as well as talented synthesis. Just look into his blue eyes

[@hiddenfire65]

MTV killed this music? The only reason most of us heard it back in the day was because MTV had The Fixx in heavy rotation.

[@BrettBBarker]

A sort of place you don't often find A quiet room to go out of your mind Will you excuse me whilst I confide I've found a place where I can hide Lights out by nine as a rule One grey blanket and a stool Angels fear to tread where stands the fool But the air is warm, and the walls are cool So I'm kept away, so here I'll stay Even the judges kneel and pray I am the winner in any event, SNAP! Who was the man who said society's bent? So I'm locked away in my padded cocoon A square of hell where nightmares bloom Armageddon couldn't come too soon But if it only meant that I could leave this room Here stands the Fool Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Adam Woods / Charles H Barrett / Cyril Curnin / James West-Oram / Peter Greenall The Fool lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

[@cinecromancer]

@blitzspeer Absolutely right. And take note that your first sentence also describes what happened to movies, politics, advertising and journalism as well. Dumb down the masses and you can manipulate them into doing/voting/paying for whatever you want. Problem is society will fall apart eventually if you dumb it all down. Sad.