Zayn Malik may exude sex, but that doesn't mean that he can't also be a lovelorn and hopeless romantic, as he proves on his new solo album, Mind of Mine. Malik released Mind of Mine on March 25, the one-year anniversary of his departure from One Direction (burn) and with 18 songs on the album, Malik has given his fans tons of lyrical fodder to dissect. However, one of the most moving songs from Malik is "fOoL fOr YoU," with its vulnerable and relatable lyrics. While not blatantly as sexual as a song like "TiO" (meaning "take it off") from the album, there is still a swoon-worthy sultriness to his words and tone on the love ballad "fOoL fOr YoU."
Although fans knew Mind of Mine had already been inspired by a number of current artists, Malik told the British magazine NME that he was listening to a lot of John Lennon and The Beatles — specifically citing the album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band — when he wrote "fOoL fOr YoU." Not only was this a fitting inspiration since The Beatles were essentially Britain's (and the world's) first ever boy band, but NME noted the similarities that "fOoL fOr YoU" has with the classic wedding first dance song "In My Life" off of Sgt. Pepper's.
While his singles "iT's YoU" and "LIKE I WOULD" point toward being about his ex-fiancée Perrie Edwards, "fOoL fOr YoU" could possibly be about Malik's current girlfriend Gigi Hadid. However, without confirmation from Malik, fans could be theorizing forever about who "fOoL fOr YoU" is about, so let's just get into analyzing the heartbreaking lyrics, shall we?
In the first verse, Malik comes in sweetly, singing about his dependence on this woman in his life. While he seems to resent how needy he is, he in no way wants to lose her.
This love is taintedI need you and I hate itYou're caught between a dream and a movie sceneIn a way, you know what I meanWhen the darts just miss, I just can't resist it
While the first verse makes it seem like the relationship could be a dysfunctional one since it's "tainted," the chorus is in perfect pop music form with Malik admitting just how vulnerable he is in this relationship. And good luck not wishing Malik was singing these lyrics about you after listening.
Cause I'm a fool for you and the things you doI'm a fool for you and the things, the things you doThe things you do, the things you do
In the second verse, the theme of dependence continues, but Malik also alludes to how the object of his affection may not necessarily believe his uncontrollable feelings for her. Does she not know how many people would kill to be admired by Malik?! Anyway, while Malik admits to attempting to play it cool, he acknowledges there is no way he can hide his feelings for this woman. *Sigh.*
When you're looking like thisI just can't resist itI know sometimes I hide itBut I can't this time cause it's gonna defeat meBut you won't believe me, believe me
The bridge reveals that although Malik might know this love has made him pathetic, he really wouldn't have it any other way. That is a strong profession of love to say that even if he could redo history, he wouldn't because he actually loves being so crazy about her. (In this section, Malik also kind of sounds like fellow pink-hair-dyer Adam Levine.)
I know, I know given the chance I'd do it againCause I can't help myselfCause I can't stop myselfI just love being a fool for you
The last line of the song is the same as the first, "This love is tainted," which isn't necessarily a promising ending. Yet, the romance of the song — even if said romance is tainted — is hard to deny. Now hit replay and commence crying again.
