But Not for Me
Love's Elusive Tune: Unrequited Melodies in 'But Not for Me'
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Addressing Old man sunshine, possibly a symbol of optimism or hope.
Never tell me dreams come true
Expressing skepticism about the reality of dreams coming true.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Warning of potential consequences if dreams are pursued.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Advising Beatrice Fairfax against making assurances about someone caring.
Ever tell me he will care
Rejecting the idea that someone will care, maintaining a pessimistic view.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Expressing certainty that a relationship has reached its end.
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting positive and optimistic people, particularly those akin to Pollyannas.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the notion that fate determines a suitable partner.
It's all bananas
Labeling the idea of fate determining a mate as absurd or nonsensical.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Observing that songs of love are being written, but they are not meant for the speaker.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Noticing a lucky star above, but it does not bring luck or love to the speaker.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite love supposedly guiding, the speaker experiences more difficulties than expected.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing the challenges in the speaker's life to the gray clouds in a Russian play.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Admitting foolishness in falling in love and becoming vulnerable.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing a sense of regret or disappointment with "hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day."
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Acknowledging the lingering memory of a past kiss despite trying to forget.
I guess he's not for me
Concluding that the person from the memory is not meant for the speaker.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Reiterating the foolishness of falling in love and expressing regret.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Repeating the sense of regret with "hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day."
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Reaffirming the inability to dismiss the lingering memory of a past kiss.
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