Now playing
Poor Little Fool
The story behind the song
This song captures the sting of youthful heartbreak, telling the story of someone who used to play around with hearts but then got a taste of their own medicine. Written by Sharon Sheeley when she was just 15, it came from her own disappointment after a short relationship. The lyrics speak to the surprise of being on the receiving end of love's foolish game, after believing someone would never part from you. Ricky Nelson recorded the song in 1958, bringing this tale of romantic comeuppance to life. It feels like a moment of realization, when the tables turn in matters of the heart.
🎸 Tips from players
Got a tip for playing this song — capo position, easier chords, strumming? Be the first to share one.
Chord Book
670,000+ free guitar chords · free-chords.com
Poor Little Fool
by Ricky Nelson
Chords in this song · guitar
About Poor Little Fool Chords by Ricky Nelson
Learn how to play Poor Little Fool by Ricky Nelson with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “Poor Little Fool chords”, “Poor Little Fool guitar chords”, or “Ricky Nelson Poor Little Fool chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy Poor Little Fool chords and for experienced players who want accurate Poor Little Fool lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include C, Am, F, G, A, F#m.
FAQ — Poor Little Fool by Ricky Nelson
How do I play "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson on guitar?
Open the free chords for "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.
Are the chords for "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson free?
Yes. The chords for "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.
Can I transpose "Poor Little Fool" to a different key?
Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "Poor Little Fool" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.
Can I see chord diagrams for "Poor Little Fool"?
Yes. Tap any chord in "Poor Little Fool" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.
Is "Poor Little Fool" easy to play on guitar?
Many players learn "Poor Little Fool" by Ricky Nelson with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Ricky Nelson below.
What key is "Poor Little Fool" in?
The chords for "Poor Little Fool" show the original chord names (including C, Am, F, G, A, F#m). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.





















