Song meaning of Follow the Fool by Primus

"Follow the Fool" by Primus is a satirical and cynical commentary on the nature of followership and blind loyalty. The song uses the metaphor of a fool to represent someone who is deceitful, manipulative, and self-serving. The lyrics highlight the foolishness of those who blindly follow such individuals, questioning their own intelligence and judgment.

In the first verse, the lyrics describe the fool as someone who talks a lot and tries to impress others with their supposed success and charm. However, they are actually filling people's heads with nonsense and false promises. This is evident in the line, "Churning bullshit into butter 'cause butter always pays." Here, the fool is depicted as someone who can turn lies into something seemingly desirable, but it ultimately serves their own interests.

The chorus poses a thought-provoking question about who the bigger fool is: the original fool or the one who follows them. It suggests that blindly following someone without questioning their motives or actions is foolish in itself. The repetition of the line, "Is it the fool who follows the fool who follows the fool?" emphasizes the layers of foolishness and the lack of critical thinking involved in this cycle.

In the second verse, the lyrics portray the fool as someone who plays dirty tricks and gets away with them effortlessly. They are described as being untouchable, as nothing ever sticks to them. The line, "Friends huff it down like it's American cheese," suggests that even those close to the fool are easily influenced and deceived by their actions.

The third verse continues to expose the fool's deceptive nature, highlighting their inability to communicate effectively and their constant complaining when things don't go their way. The line, "A mouth so full of lies, you'd think his tongue would surely rot," vividly portrays the fool's dishonesty and the consequences they should face.

The outro reinforces the idea that following the fool is a futile and foolish endeavor. The repetition of the line, "The fool who follows the fool who follows," emphasizes the endless cycle of foolishness and blind loyalty.

"Follow the Fool" serves as a cautionary tale, urging listeners to question authority, think critically, and avoid blindly following charismatic individuals who may not have their best interests at heart. It highlights the dangers of blind loyalty and the importance of independent thinking.