About The Song
“Statue of a Fool,” a song performances by country artist Ricky Van Shelton, is one of the most memorable renditions of a song that has captivated audiences since its inception. Originally written by Jan Crutchfield in 1969, this heartfelt tune has been performed by various artists over the years, each adding their unique interpretation to its timeless narrative. Ricky Van Shelton’s version, released in 1989, is often regarded as one of the most definitive and commercially successful renditions.
The song tells the story of a man grappling with the profound regret of losing someone he truly loved. Through evocative lyrics, the narrator paints the imagery of a statue—a monument symbolizing his own foolishness in letting go of a cherished love. The “statue of a fool,” crafted with “a tear on his face,” serves as a metaphor for the emotional scars left behind by his mistakes. The song’s mournful tone and vivid storytelling resonate deeply with listeners, making it a hallmark of classic country music.
Ricky Van Shelton, already a well-established artist by 1989 with hits like “Somebody Lied” and “I’ll Leave This World Loving You,” brought his signature vocal style to “Statue of a Fool.” His rich, baritone voice captured the emotional depth of the song, earning widespread acclaim. Shelton’s version was included on his album RVS III and quickly gained traction among country music fans.
It reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in 1989, cementing its place as one of his most successful singles.
Video
Lyrics
Somewhere there should be
For all the world to see
A statue of a fool
Made of stone
The image of a man
Who let love
Slip through his hands
And then
Just let him stand there
All alone
And they’re on his face
A gold tear
Should be placed
To honor the million
Tears he’s cried
And the hurt in his eyes
Will it show
So everyone will know
That concealed is
A broken heart inside
So build me a statue
And lord build it high
So that all can see
Then inscribe
The worlds greatest fool
And name it after me
