But Not for Me
Love's Bittersweet Tale: Jerry Jeff Walker's 'But Not for Me'
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Expressing a sarcastic address to "Old man sunshine," implying skepticism toward optimistic advice.
Never tell me dreams come true
Rejecting the idea that dreams come true, suggesting a pessimistic view.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Warning against trying to prove dreams come true, with a threat of causing chaos ("start a riot").
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Advising Beatrice Fairfax not to claim someone will care, indicating a lack of belief in love.
Ever tell me he will care
Dismissing any assurance that he will find care or love, asserting certainty in a negative outcome.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Expressing a belief that a relationship is ending ("final curtain"), possibly indicating resignation or acceptance.
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting communication from overly optimistic individuals ("cheerful Pollyannas").
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the idea that fate provides a suitable partner, deeming it absurd ("It's all bananas").
It's all bananas
Summarizing the absurdity of the romantic notions mentioned earlier.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Acknowledging the existence of love songs but emphasizing they are not written for the speaker.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Noting the presence of a lucky star but asserting that it doesn't favor the speaker in matters of love.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Expressing that despite love guiding others, the speaker encounters more challenges ("clouds of gray").
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing the difficulties faced to those in a Russian play, suggesting intense and tragic situations.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Admitting to being foolish in falling in love and experiencing emotional vulnerability.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Using expressions like "Hi-ho" and "lack-a-day" to convey a sense of regret or lamentation.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Acknowledging the difficulty of forgetting the memory of a kiss, possibly alluding to a past romance.
I guess he's not for me
Concluding that the person in the memory is not meant for the speaker, reinforcing a sense of unrequited love.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Repeating the admission of foolishness in love, possibly emphasizing the regretful nature of the speaker's experiences.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Reiterating expressions of regret and lamentation, emphasizing the continuing emotional struggle.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Restating the difficulty of dismissing the memory of a kiss, underscoring the lasting impact of the past romantic encounter.
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