But Not for Me
Love's Bittersweet Melody: Unrequited Longing in Les McCann's Ballad
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Expression of addressing or calling out to "Old man sunshine."
Never tell me dreams come true
Skepticism about the truth of dreams coming true.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Threatening to start a riot if someone insists dreams come true.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Warning Beatrice Fairfax not to claim someone will care.
Ever tell me he will care
Refusing to believe that someone will care.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Expressing certainty that a relationship is ending ("final curtain").
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting cheerful attitudes, particularly from overly optimistic individuals ("Pollyannas").
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the idea that fate provides a suitable partner.
It's all bananas
Labeling the concept as absurd or nonsensical ("It's all bananas").
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Observing that love songs are being written, but not for the speaker.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Noticing a lucky star above, but it doesn't bring luck in love for the speaker.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite having love to guide, the speaker encounters more difficulties ("clouds of gray").
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing the challenges faced to those in a Russian play, suggesting significant obstacles.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Admitting foolishness in falling in love and experiencing negative emotions.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing a sense of regret or disappointment ("hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day").
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Acknowledging the enduring memory of a past kiss despite the negative emotions.
I guess he's not for me
Concluding that the person is not meant for the speaker.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Reiterating the foolishness in falling in love and the resulting negative emotions.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing a sense of regret or disappointment, similar to line #17.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Reaffirming the lasting impact of the memory of the past kiss.
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