Brushfire Fairytales Tabs:
FORTUNATE FOOL
All music and lyrics written by and property of Jack Johnson
Transcribed by Jai Mitchell
jai_mitchell@yahoo.com
http://members.optushome.com.au/jaimitchell
Okay, another tab i am changing slightly... simplifying the hard parts, taking out
the parts i had in my tab that were actually played by the bass, and adding a different
version of the chorus which is what Jack plays live rather than the little country soundng
lick on the album... enjoy...
special tab sign => and )'s mean the notes are quickly muted..!!
INTRO
----7/9\7---4/7\4---3/5\3---2/4\2~--------------
----7/9\7---4/7\4---3/5\3---2/4\2~--------------
-----------------------------------------9------
-----------------------------------------9------
------------------------------------9/11---11p9-
--7-------4-------3-------2---------------------
VERSE (riff 1)
B G#
|----7)----------4)--|
|----7)----------4)--|
|.------------------.|
|.------------------.|
|--------------------|
|--7-----------4-----|
VERSE (riff 2)
C# F#
|----9)------2)--|
|----9)------2)--|
|.--10)------3)-.|
|.--11)------4)-.|
|---11)------4)--|
|--9-------2-----|
on the last repetition of this verse riff use FILL 2 from below after the
F# bass note to move back to verse riff 1...
some examples of fills that can replace the G# chord
FILL 1 FILL 2 FILL 3
--------------------|-----------------|----------------------
--------------------|-----------------|----------------------
--------------------|-----------------|----------------------
--------------------|-----------------|------------11\9~-----
----------9---------|-----------------|----------9-----------
--4--9/11---11p9--7-|--4--9/11-7-9-7--|--4--9/11----------7--
so just fuck around with those, and any others are just variations on that anyhow...
then the fun part... the CHORUS...
----0~--0-0-----0~---0---0---0----2---2-2-----2---2---2---2-
----0~----------------------------2-------2h4---2-----------
----1~------4h6----4---2---1------3-----------------4---3---
----2~----------------------------4-------------------------
----2~----------------------------4-------------------------
--0-0~--------------------------2-2-------------------------
A much easier version of the chorus can be played, like Jack does it when he plays live..
----0)----------0)----2)-----------2)--
----0)----------0)----2)-----------2)--
----1)----------1)----3)-----------3)--
---------------------------------------
---------------------------------------
--0----0-0--0-0-----2-----2-2--2-2-----
then just descending major bar chords with the root on the 6th string
(ie the E shape)
CHORD: B / G# / F# / E x3
FRET: 7 4 2 0
then
CHORD: B / G# / G ~~~
FRET: 7 4 3 and hold
in case you don't know the terms above the shape for the B (7th fret) is
e|-7-|
b|-7-| So just start with that, then move it down to the 4th fret etc.
g|-8-|
d|-9-|
a|-9-|
E|-7-|
Tab Discussion, Comments, and Critiques
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Lily Average |
#1 by Lily at Sep 26, 2007 at 10:22 PM EST |
| Its about having a positive outlook. I saw a quote on MSN.com that went something like how people oblivious to consequences and limitiations are the ones that ultimately succeed. Makes sense - No fear to pull you back. Oddly enough, this song reminds me of George W. Bush. He's one of my favorites. He makes me feel like I can do anything. That's why I voted for him. | |
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The Penguins Tr Professional Badass |
#2 by The Penguins Tried To Kill Me The Other Day at Sep 27, 2007 at 8:46 AM EST |
| i disagree with afipunk84. i think jack thinks this girl is close to perfect. she has everything going for her. the thing is, anybody who is completely happy, as this girl seems, has to be somewhat of a fool. if you've ever read The Great Gatsby, an extremely similar line is written, where Daisy says something like, "if i have a baby girl i just hope she is a fool." An intelligent person is not completely happy because if you are so aware of everything going on in your life and others', it is just so depressing. This "fortunate fool" seems like a happy person, and therefore may not truly be aware of the world, hence, the referral to being a fool. | |
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Josh Average |
#3 by Josh at Sep 28, 2007 at 7:00 PM EST |
| i love that hes at a loss for words. thats the ultimate love... shes just so .. mm...... | |
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NIK Average |
#4 by NIK blaszczyszyn at Sep 28, 2007 at 7:30 PM EST |
| Personally I think that what everybody's saying about how she's 'fake' and she thinks she knows it all *is* true but I also think for some reason he finds himself attracted to her none the less, she's a fortunate fool...to him she's just so mmm...he can't describe her and he knows she's false but he's somehow enamored by her, mmm....(Jeez, I know somebody like this) | |
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Alex Wanna Be |
#5 by Alex Zweck at Sep 29, 2007 at 3:34 AM EST |
| This sounds like the kind of person who appears to everybody to be foolish but is tottlally normal in her own mind. He He Sounds kinda like me. | |
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ZAX Wanna Be |
#6 by ZAX Lansing at Sep 29, 2007 at 5:52 PM EST |
| 1st i wanna say that this song rocks and that i really dig the guitar in it, awesome..now for wat i think this song means: i think this song is rather sarcastic..like when he says "shes got it all figured out" and "she knows wat everythings about" then he calls her a fool which is contradicting right?..well i think he means that SHE thinks shes smart but in reality she doesnt really no about any of the things she talks about..and others are too blinded by her beauty or fame too realize how much of a fool she really is..so theres my take on it..i dont think its a love song at all..just jack talkin about a girl that trys to be somethin shes not and makes herself look like a fool | |
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stephen Wanna Be |
#7 by stephen k at Sep 30, 2007 at 5:24 AM EST |
| I think it's about how the media makes stars. They teach them how to be. They shouldn't misbehave because it could lead to negative publicity. This girls life seems so perfect and she seems to be so intelligent. But she really doesn't know all the things she talks about. She's a lucky girl but foolish to get sucked in. | |
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kevin Wanna Be |
#8 by kevin Beaubien at Sep 30, 2007 at 6:13 AM EST |
| i never saw it tt the way afipunk does, but it does make sense! "She's the one that stumbles when she talks about it So maybe we shouldn't talk about" shes beautiful, just "mmm", cant describe it, but shes a fool pretty much all she is, is beauty! And if she talks "about it" (her foolness), she stumbles | |
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Viktoria Wanna Be |
#9 by Viktoria Sashalmi at Sep 30, 2007 at 10:58 AM EST |
| i love this song! my boyfriend sang this to me. Ive been in live every since! its so sweet, he cant think of the perfect words to describe her! | |
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Bassdude Average |
#10 by Bassdude at Sep 30, 2007 at 4:35 PM EST |
| Here's my turn.. I agree with some of you but definately disagree with others. I don't think this person is shallow or any of that. I think they are just *blissfully* ignorant and *hopefully* optimistic. We all make opinions without the whole truth but some of us fail to recognize that our "version" of the world should be pliable and forever "in progress". I think what Johnson has alluded to in the line: She's just so mmm.. is that she's so satisfied with her logic. She's soo satisfied with her opinions on life that "when anyone doubts her (or as with Johnson) sings songs about her" she STILL doesn't question herself or her perspective. I think she is "smart enough" to inquire about things for which she hasn't been exposed.. like foreign films but I think she fails to see that there is more behind a particular curtain. She is naive. She justifies her beliefs without accepting that she can't know it all. She wants to put life in a box and it seems Johnson has accepted the fact that life is more than generalities. I think Johnson recognizes that her state is comfortable.. Like one of you said "An intelligent person is not completely happy because if you are so aware of everything going on in [life], it is just so depressing." When Johnson says: So maybe we shouldn't talk about.. I think he's implying that maybe we shouldn't burst her bubble.. reveal her to herself. Also.. this song reminded me of individuals much younger than myself. I've ran into people in their early twenties.. searching for insight.. but just soo naive and had similar feelings about them. I've just thought.. wait until you take your ideas, put them all into one basket, and realize that life isn't going to turn out the way you envision it. The part that stumps me in this song is when he says: she gives thanks for what they gave her.. man, they practically made her. My suggestion is this.. something(s) happened to her that gave her confidience. Maybe, her life wasn't soo simple. Maybe, she's developed through hard knocks. So what if those experiences leads her to believe she has some insight into life. Yet she doesn't realize her own naivety. What do you think? | |
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Simon (Si) Lead Player |
#11 by Simon (Si) Brown at Oct 1, 2007 at 2:05 AM EST |
| okay, i agree with both of the statments made before...about how this "girl" is such a fortunate fool... like someone said before about the great gatsby, i read that book and when daisy was talking about hoping her baby girl was born a fool it was because she didnt want her to have to deal with the world and everything that goes on in it, she just wanted her to be oblivious to everything that mattered and be content in her mock-perfect world that had no problems. i think its the same way in the song. this girl its about thinks she is so smart and attractive and has everything going for her...she has everything alllllll figured out...but what she doesnt know is everything that goes on around her. like how ppl "sing songs without her" which could be like neglecting to invite her places or talking about her behind her back. and she is to blinded by herself to see that. shes a "fortunate fool" because she has just removed herself from all the problems in life and is living a life that seems "too good to be true". and i think he says at the end "so maybe we shouldnt talk about it" because he feels bad for her...not knowing what goes on behind her back and how oblivious she is to everything...thats just my opinion...what do you guys think? | |
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* iQrAm Rhythm Player |
#12 by * iQrAm * at Oct 1, 2007 at 10:11 AM EST |
| hey, does Jack Johnson ever come the UK? im just getting into him, and i have to see him live. in regards to this song, i agree with everyone who has said the song is sarcastic, especially stoppretending, above me... the actress/singer idea is plausible to me. cant add anything. | |
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Daniel Average |
#13 by Daniel Ellis at Oct 1, 2007 at 4:07 PM EST |
| i love this song! my boyfriend sang this to me. Ive been in live every since! its so sweet, he cant think of the perfect words to describe her! | |
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Aeddan Wanna Be |
#14 by Aeddan Williams at Oct 2, 2007 at 12:20 PM EST |
| mandersusf, you crazy, but right. Ladymarmalade, I agree. I don't really think this is a love song, more than a sympathy song. I don't really think Jack means to woo this entity, as much as woe her. Maybe the mmm could be holding more colorful metaphors back? Come on, we've all partied with the dumb bitch once or twice. | |
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NeMeSiS Average |
#15 by NeMeSiS TraSh TeSt at Oct 2, 2007 at 4:44 PM EST |
| i think this is about a really fake girl, a fool, who is fortunate enough to have people believe her lies, calbearryan, i completely agree w/ you, the girl is an idiot fortunate enough to have everyone fooled to thinking she is intelligent. | |
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emma Average |
#16 by emma davidson at Oct 3, 2007 at 12:40 AM EST |
| This really is a sad song because we all contrive to become wiser but actually we are better not knowing alot of things that we think we are better off for knowing. | |
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chris Average |
#17 by chris at Oct 3, 2007 at 4:46 AM EST |
| mmm I love this song..though I'm still confused, too! I agree w/ kmb, very much like the Great Gatsby. Then at the the same time I agree with cal that it's so sarcastic..hmm | |
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THE AMAZING JOE Wanna Be |
#18 by THE AMAZING JOE KOOL!! at Oct 3, 2007 at 5:39 AM EST |
| luv the song | |
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Anton Average |
#19 by Anton Eklund at Oct 3, 2007 at 6:58 AM EST |
| I agree with alot of what everyone else thinks about this song, however i'm really intrigued as to who this song is about? My guess is someone who is really famous i always thought he says "the seven foriegn films she's chucked out" as if its films she's been in, i know j-lo has been in a few foriegn films, i'm most probably wrong but thats what it meant to me, any other idea's anyone? | |
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Chris Wanna Be |
#20 by Chris at Oct 3, 2007 at 8:12 AM EST |
| Thyis song definitely has a sarcastic tone to it. Jack Johnson is not describing a girl that he loves, rather he's talking about someone who feigns intelligence (she's the one who stumble's when she talks about the seven foreign films she's checked out) and maintains popularity, but is, in reality, a bit foolish. It's almost as though she's lucky that nobody discovers her foolishness, thus the title, "Fortunate Fool." Great Song. Reminds me of my ex-girlfriend a lot. | |
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Greg Average |
#21 by Greg at Oct 3, 2007 at 7:50 PM EST |
| I think everything I've wanted to say has already been said but here I go nevertheless. To me, this is NOT a love song at all. I've always thought the fool was an actress or singer who's been taught how to be perceived as someone "admirable." She should talk about the foreign films she's watched, never misbehave, etc. She's grateful for all the fame she's been given, but what she doesn't realize is that she is really a fool. Which is fortunate for her b/c she's oblivious. They say ignorance is bliss. While waiting for a Dispatch/Jack Johnson concert to begin last year, I heard Jack rehearsing this song. I was so amazed, and from that day on, this has been one of my favorites. | |
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mike Wanna Be |
#22 by mike daly at Oct 4, 2007 at 12:54 AM EST |
| I think the title pretty much sums this one up. I think it could be a song about nievity to the real values of life. To me jack's songs usually try to sum personalities up, particulary the ones who don't value the right things in life. and in this case, maybey someone he knows, knows of, or maybey just a general type of person that he has in mind and uses this particular strory to describe it. could even be a generalization of all the female actors he met when he did his film making stint. To me it describes a person, maybey younger, full of ambition, thinks she knows it all (but really doesnt), while excessivley trying to prove herself. but as we know, the morals jack preaches bend more towards the laid back, nothing to prove, eye to eye relationship sort of (proper) life. so when he says "she's the one who stumbles..." i can just imagin a young lady telling people the story of what movies she might be in, but she stumbles, becuase it didn't come from the heart, more from somone who chose to be an actor in the spotlight and fame and glory. A fortunate fool. | |
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Brandon Rhythm Player |
#23 by Brandon Winfrey at Oct 4, 2007 at 5:13 AM EST |
| also: jack johnson is obviously a genius. maybe just everybody else alive is foolish because we can't compare to him. | |
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blake Average |
#24 by blake pratt at Oct 4, 2007 at 7:51 AM EST |
| i find this to be about a girl who tries to come off as the perfect person to everyone around her, but knows its all just words, like about the foreign movies that she couldn't explain...its like she saw them just to say she did as a away to gain social status or respect from peers. thus, the guy is like "shes too good to be true," knowing shes fake and "fortunate fool" because she seeks these social 'fortunes' with her foolishness. 1 | |
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Mike Average |
#25 by Mike M at Oct 4, 2007 at 12:56 PM EST |
| ah yes, i agree with meggymac.. not knowing the correct word to describe her.. she's undescribable... what exactly does he mean by fortunate fool? Before I read the lyrics, I just thought this song was about how she was lucky.. :shrug: anybody have better ideas? | |
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tucker Wanna Be |
#26 by tucker at Oct 4, 2007 at 4:42 PM EST |
| it says theres comments but I can see them 1 2 Next | |
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Justin Rhythm Player |
#27 by Justin Stumbo at Oct 4, 2007 at 6:26 PM EST |
| i think it is about a girl who he is in love with or who he is attracted to and this girl thinks she knows what everything is about. but he knows that she doesn't, but it doesn't matter because she is a "fortunate fool"..it is a laid back song | |
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Jonathan Average |
#28 by Jonathan Miller at Oct 4, 2007 at 8:17 PM EST |
| funstuff is right call me a grammar nerd... this song i think is about the 'girl who has everything' if you catch my drift. you know the girl who's stunning and seems perfect on paper but on the inside is just a big confused fucked up mess... like everyone else lol. 'she's just too good to be true' so she probably is... | |
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zach Wanna Be |
#29 by zach miles at Oct 4, 2007 at 10:31 PM EST |
| This song really confuses me. I tried to figure it out, but it is just so wierd. I mean, what exactly is a fortunate fool? I was thinking maybe she is just a lucky fool. She's not the smartest girl, but things work out for her. I don't know...just a guess. Does anyone else think something different? | |
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kick azz bass p Rhythm Player |
#30 by kick azz bass player at Oct 5, 2007 at 12:58 AM EST |
| I agree with everything you wrote. Well said :) | |
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Dave Wanna Be |
#31 by Dave Bitches!!!! at Oct 5, 2007 at 9:47 AM EST |
| i agree with funstuff. | |
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sean Wanna Be |
#32 by sean ewings at Oct 5, 2007 at 11:10 AM EST |
| yea i have to agree with lady and cal. He's not in love with this girl, i think he's just amused by how shallow she is | |
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Josh Average |
#33 by Josh Riemersma at Oct 5, 2007 at 12:23 PM EST |
| funstuff is right call me a grammar nerd... this song i think is about the 'girl who has everything' if you catch my drift. you know the girl who's stunning and seems perfect on paper but on the inside is just a big confused fucked up mess... like everyone else lol. 'she's just too good to be true' so she probably is... | |
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Joe Average |
#34 by Joe Fidler at Oct 5, 2007 at 2:22 PM EST |
| OK, I think this song is about a girl who seems to be prefect at everything. Good looks, smart, atletic, funny, artistic, good at anything she tries. She was also born into a wealthy family etc. Great song, by the way. My favorite Jack Johnson song. I like it so much because I can relate to my interpretation of what it means. | |
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Robin Average |
#35 by Robin brister at Oct 5, 2007 at 6:13 PM EST |
| this is a very emotional song, and i think it has to do with people that have absolutly nothing wrong with them but they critique themselves into something other than what they should be....if you get that... | |
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jay Average |
#36 by jay snow at Oct 6, 2007 at 2:13 AM EST |
| ok..i still cant believe theres only 3 comments on this song while the same song but with the wrong title has way more.. i love this song by the way | |
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Wanna Be |
#37 by ZeppelinPro at Oct 6, 2007 at 3:59 AM EST |
| I agree with kmb13...you can not compare anyone to Jack Johnson | |
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