But Not for Me
Love's Elusive Tune: Exploring Unrequited Longing in 'But Not for Me'
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Addressing Old Man Sunshine, a metaphor for optimistic people or positive advice.
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 against trying to convince the speaker otherwise, suggesting it may lead to unrest.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Advising Beatrice Fairfax, a reference to an advice columnist, not to suggest that someone will care.
Ever tell me he will care
Rejecting the idea that the person in question will ever care, emphasizing certainty about the relationship's end.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Expressing a belief that the relationship has reached its conclusion, symbolized by the final curtain.
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting positivity and expressing aversion to cheerful and overly optimistic people.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the idea that fate will provide a suitable partner.
It's all bananas
Labeling the notion of fate supplying a mate as absurd or nonsensical.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Expressing a contrast with popular love songs, implying a personal experience of love being elusive.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Acknowledging the presence of a lucky star but asserting it does not bring love to the speaker.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Highlighting a path guided by love but with more challenges and difficulties than a Russian play could promise.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing the troubles in the speaker's love life to the complexities depicted in Russian plays.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Admitting foolishness in falling in love and getting into a vulnerable state.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Using expressions like "hi-ho" and "alas" to convey regret and disappointment.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Acknowledging the lasting impact of a past kiss but indicating a realization that the person is not meant for the speaker.
I guess he's not for me
Reiterating the conclusion that the person is not suitable for a lasting relationship.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Repeating the realization of being a fool for falling in love and expressing regret.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Reiterating regret with expressions like "hi-ho" and "alas."
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Reaffirming the lingering impact of a past kiss in memory.
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