"Running Out of Fools" is actually a song originally performed by Aretha Franklin in 1964, but Elvis Costello covered it in his album "King of America" in 1986. The song itself revolves around heartbreak and the realization that the person who hurt you is now trying to come back into your life. The lyrics express confusion and disbelief towards the person who left, suggesting that they must be reaching out because they have run out of other options or other people to turn to. The narrator is aware that this person has a reputation in town and that everyone knows their true intentions. The lines "Even when you left me there crying, your goodbye was even colder than ice" highlight the pain and cruelty that the narrator experienced when the person left them the first time. Now, this person is attempting to break their heart once again, but the narrator is no longer willing to be fooled or hurt anymore. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that the person contacting the narrator may have forgotten how they even looked or treated them poorly in the past. The narrator recognizes that the sweet talking and persuasion won't work this time, and they are prepared to hang up on the person without giving them a chance. Overall, "Running Out of Fools" is a song about resilience and self-preservation. It addresses the realization that someone who previously caused pain is trying to come back, but the narrator has moved on and won't fall for their tricks again.
