But Not for Me
Love's Bittersweet Symphony: Decoding Patti Austin's 'But Not for Me'
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Expressing skepticism towards positive messages from "Old man sunshine," implying a disbelief in the idea that dreams come true.
Never tell me dreams come true
Challenging the notion of dreams coming true, suggesting that trying to believe in them could lead to chaos ("start a riot").
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Asserting confidence that expectations will not be met, comparing the situation to the end of a play ("final curtain").
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Warning someone represented by "Beatrice Fairfax" not to give false hope or assurances about someone's care.
Ever tell me he will care
Refusing to believe that someone will care, expressing certainty in a lack of affection or concern.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Conveying a strong belief that the situation is ending definitively, likening it to the conclusion of a performance ("final curtain").
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Rejecting any optimistic or overly cheerful messages from individuals likened to "Pollyannas," who believe fate will provide a partner.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Dismissing the idea that fate controls romantic connections, considering it nonsensical ("all bananas").
It's all bananas
Summarizing the absurdity of the notion that fate determines finding a romantic partner.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Noticing that songs about love exist but feeling excluded from experiencing such love personally.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Recognizing that luck seems to favor others in love, but not oneself.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite having love to guide, encountering more difficulties and sadness ("clouds of gray") than typically depicted.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing personal experiences of sadness to the melancholy often portrayed in Russian plays.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Acknowledging foolishness in falling in love and becoming vulnerable.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing resignation and sorrow ("alas") over the situation.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Unable to forget the memory of a kiss despite recognizing the relationship is not viable.
I guess he's not for me
Concluding that the person mentioned earlier is not meant for oneself romantically.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Reiteration of the acknowledgment of folly in falling in love.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Repeating a sense of resignation and sorrow over the situation.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Acknowledging the inability to erase the memory of a past romantic gesture (the kiss).
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