But Not for Me
Unrequited Longings: "But Not for Me" by Bing Crosby
Lyrics
They're writing songs of love, but not for me.
Expressing that songs of love are being written, but they are not dedicated to the speaker.
A lucky star's above, but not for me.
Despite a lucky star being present, the speaker feels it is not shining favorably on them.
With love to lead the way
Suggesting that love is supposed to guide one's path.
I've found more clouds of gray
Contrasting the idea of love guiding with the speaker's experience of facing difficulties and sadness.
Than any Russain play could guarantee.
Comparing the speaker's challenges to the dramatic conflicts in Russian plays.
I was a fool to fall and get that way,
Regretting a foolish decision that led to the current emotional state.
Heigh-ho! Alas! And also, lack-a-day!
Expressing sorrow and regret with interjections like "Heigh-ho!" and "lack-a-day!"
Although I can't dismiss the mem'ry of his kiss,
Acknowledging the lingering memory of a past kiss, despite the separation.
I guess he's mot for me.
Concluding that the person who gave the memorable kiss is not meant for the speaker.
He's knocking on a door, but not for me.
Observing that someone is seeking love but not specifically for the speaker.
He'll plan a two by four, but not for me.
Anticipating plans for someone else's romantic encounter, not involving the speaker.
I know that love's a game;
Recognizing love as a game, possibly expressing confusion or frustration.
I'm puzzled, just the same,
Feeling puzzled or uncertain about the dynamics of love.
Was I the moth or flame?
Pondering whether the speaker was the one drawn to love (the moth) or the one providing it (the flame).
I'm all at sea.
Feeling lost and disoriented, as if adrift at sea.
It all began so well, but what an end!
Reflecting on a promising beginning that led to an unfortunate end.
This is the time a feller needs a friend,
Expressing the need for a friend during challenging times.
When ev'ry happy plot ends with the marriage knot,
Highlighting the common resolution of happy stories with marriage, but the speaker feels excluded from this.
And there's no knot for me.
Conveying a sense of loneliness and the absence of a positive outcome in the speaker's romantic life.
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