“Foolish” by Ashanti

by Sabrina Chitty · Published March 16, 2022 · Updated March 16, 2022

Even though the title of this song (“Foolish”) doesn’t appear in the lyrics, it perfectly sums up the narrator’s behavior throughout the song.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Ashanti's Foolish at Lyrics.org.

Here, we have Ashanti falling in love with a man who puts 50% or less into the relationship, despite the sweet things he says to her. He treats her badly, sometimes not returning home for days, doing her wrong.

With all these said, she still stays even though her conflicting conscience tells her to pack up and leave. The thought of leaving for uncertainty alone can make someone stay in an unfulfilling relationship, no matter how bad.

It is known that women, probably due to our nurturing side, that we always want to try to be the reason our partner change for the better. The thought of letting the relationship go only to find the next lover changes them can be unsettling, so we just keep holding on. On the other side, it could also be out of convenience, or the partner offers some stability (e.g., financial) so leaving him will make her less free financially.

Of course, the partner knows this and the words to use to make her stay, which he uses to his advantage.

All in all, this becomes a vicious cycle of someone not believing in themselves enough to leave a bad relationship in exchange for a couple sweet words and gifts/money. It is ultimately, foolish.

Facts about “Foolish”

This R&B song is the first-ever solo single of one of US’ most successful female musical acts, Ashanti. It was released in early 2002 as the lead single from her very first studio album.

“Foolish” was a chart-topper in America and broke into the top-10 on multiple charts around the world. In the UK it reached No.4 and in Australia, it peaked at No.6.

Ashanti has picked up many accolades thanks to this single. Notable among such accolades include a Soul Train Music Award for “Best R&B/Soul Single – Female”.

The song also earned the New York singer and songwriter a nomination for “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance” at 2003’s Grammys. Although Ashanti wasn’t the eventual winner of the award, it is without a doubt a huge milestone in the singer’s career, considering the fact that it was her very first single. And to note, said award went to American singer Mary J. Blige for her song “He Think I Don’t Know”.

In 2009 this track was placed at No.19 on the list of “Hot 100 Songs of the 2000s Decade”, compiled by Billboard.

Writing Credits for “Foolish”

Ashanti co-wrote this song with 7 Aurelius (who also co-produced it). Three other names are credited as writers on this track. They are:

Etterlene Jordan
Mark DeBarge
Irv Gotti (also co-produced the song)

Jordan and DeBarge are credited as writers due to the fact that this song significantly samples a 1980s song they wrote titled “Stay With Me”. The song in question, which was released by DeBarge in 1983, was also sampled heavily in “One More Chance” by The Notorious B.I.G.

“Ashanti”

As mentioned above, “Ashanti” was the singer’s first-ever musical project. It was put out on April 2 of 2002.

This project was produced by multiple producers including Ashanti herself and American record producer Chink Santana. It was released through record company, Island Def Jam in conjunction with Murder Inc. Records.

In addition to “Foolish”, this record was accompanied by two other singles “Happy” and “Baby”, respectively, issued in June and September of 2002.

“Ashanti” enjoyed remarkable success in the US, where it became the No.1 album on the Billboard 200. It reached No.3 in the UK and No.5 in Canada.

With over 3 million sales units in the US, this project has received multiple Platinum certification in the United States and Canada.

This album earned Ashanti multiple Grammy Award nominations including the category of “Best Contemporary R&B Album”, which she won.