But Not for Me
Love's Bittersweet Melody: Unrequited Hopes in Johnny Adams' Ballad
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Addressing an optimistic figure (Old man sunshine) with a skeptical tone.
Never tell me dreams come true
Expressing disbelief in the idea that dreams come true.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Warning that attempting to prove otherwise will lead to trouble (a riot).
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Directing a caution to Beatrice Fairfax, likely a symbol of advice or authority.
Ever tell me he will care
Rejecting the idea that someone ('he') will care or be concerned.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Expressing certainty that it's the end or the closing of something.
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting positive, optimistic views from excessively cheerful individuals.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the belief that fate will provide a romantic partner.
It's all bananas
Labeling the idea as absurd or nonsensical ('It's all bananas').
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Observing that songs about love aren't meant for the speaker.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Feeling excluded from the luck or fortune that might grant love to others.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite the desire for love to guide, experiencing more hardships than anticipated.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing the challenges faced to those in a Russian play, suggesting intense difficulties.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Recognizing foolishness in falling in love and becoming vulnerable.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressions of resignation and sorrow ('Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day').
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Unable to forget the memory of a past romantic encounter.
I guess he's not for me
Accepting that the person is likely not meant to be theirs romantically.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Reiterating the feeling of foolishness in getting emotionally involved.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Repeating expressions of resignation and sorrow.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Despite being unable to forget the kiss, acknowledging the unlikelihood of a romantic future.
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