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GEORGE MICHAEL
KISSING A FOOL
Guitar 1: Electric Main Rhythm
Guitar 2: Electric Lead Licks
Guitar 2: Electric Lead Licks
About the Track
Song: Kissing a Fool
Artist: George Michael
Album: Faith
Released: April 11, 1988
Writer & Producer: George Michael
Chart Performance
U.S. Billboard Hot 100: #5
UK Singles Chart: #18
Also charted well in Canada, Ireland, and several European countries.
Though it wasn't the biggest hit off Faith, it showcased Michael’s vocal range and artistic versatility.
The Song
“Kissing a Fool” deals with insecurities and emotional walls in a relationship. The narrator confesses he warned his lover not to expect too much from him, admitting emotional unavailability:
“You will never find peace of mind, till you listen to your heart.”
The lyrics reflect regret, vulnerability, and self-awareness — a common theme in Michael’s more introspective work.
Songwriting Notes
George Michael wrote “Kissing a Fool” during a period of self-reflection. It was one of the first songs written for his debut solo album Faith, and he recorded a rough demo at home — most of which ended up on the final track.
At the time, Michael was navigating:
- The transition from Wham! to solo artist
- Public and private conflicts about fame, love, and identity
- Emotional insecurity and fear of commitment
He has described the song as one of his most personal and honest works.
“It’s probably the most honest lyric I’ve ever written,” George once said in interviews.
Deeper Meaning
The title "Kissing a Fool" refers to someone falling in love with a person who warned them they weren't capable of love in return — yet the partner proceeds anyway.
Key themes:
Self-sabotage in relationships
The fear of being truly known and loved
Emotional walls and past trauma
The song’s narrator is essentially saying, “I told you I wasn’t emotionally available, and now you’re hurt — but I warned you.”
This idea of emotional damage and love gone wrong was a thread that ran through much of George’s later songwriting (like in “One More Try” or “Cowboys and Angels”).
Patrick Jones - Course author
STAYCE ROBERTS
With over 40 years of dedication to the instrument, Stayce has taken his love of songwriting, guitar playing and producing that allows him to bring a fresh, professional style to his Online Instructional Videos, making him a top tier instructor in song and lesson tutorials.