But Not for Me
Love's Elusive Tune: A Reflection on Unrequited Longing
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Addressing an optimistic figure, possibly personified as "Old man sunshine," urging them to listen.
Never tell me dreams come true
Expressing skepticism about the truth of dreams coming true.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Warning that attempting to convince the speaker otherwise may lead to a riot.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Advising Beatrice Fairfax not to claim that someone will care for the speaker.
Ever tell me he will care
Rejecting the idea that the person of interest will ever care for the speaker.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Expressing certainty that the relationship is ending ("final curtain").
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting communication from optimistic individuals ("cheerful Pollyannas").
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the idea that fate provides a suitable partner, considering it absurd ("It's all bananas").
It's all bananas
Emphasizing the absurdity of the situation, reinforcing that it's nonsensical.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Acknowledging that love songs are being written but not for the speaker.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Noting the presence of a lucky star but emphasizing that it is not shining favorably on the speaker.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Describing a journey with love that leads to more difficulties ("clouds of gray") than a Russian play might promise.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Highlighting the challenges and uncertainties in the speaker's romantic journey.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Admitting foolishness in falling for someone and allowing emotions to take over.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing a sense of regret and melancholy ("Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day").
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Acknowledging the lingering impact of a past kiss despite the need to dismiss it.
I guess he's not for me
Concluding that the person in question is not meant for the speaker.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Repeating the acknowledgment of foolishness in falling for someone.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Reiterating a sense of regret and melancholy.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Repeating the acknowledgment of the impact of a past kiss on memory.
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