But Not for Me
Love's Elusive Dance: Unrequited Yearning in Stéphane Grappelli's Melody
Lyrics
Old man sunshine listen you
Addressing the optimistic, cheerful aspect of life personified as "Old man sunshine" and listening to a statement.
Never tell me dreams come true
Rejecting the idea that dreams come true, expressing skepticism.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Asserting that attempting to convince will cause chaos or strong disagreement.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
A warning to a fictional advice columnist not to say someone will care.
Ever tell me he will care
Refusing to believe that the person of interest will care or show affection.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
Belief that the relationship's end is inevitable, likened to the closing of a performance ("final curtain").
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Expressing a dislike for overly optimistic or excessively positive individuals.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Rejecting the idea that fate determines one's romantic partner, deeming it absurd ("all bananas").
It's all bananas
Continuing to express disbelief or dismissal towards the concept of fate guiding relationships.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Noting that while love songs are being written, they aren't meant for the singer.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Acknowledging that despite a fortunate cosmic alignment ("lucky star"), it doesn't apply to the singer's love life.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite the expectation of love guiding life positively, the singer has encountered more sadness ("clouds of gray") than a tragic Russian play might promise.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Comparing personal experiences of sadness to the emotional depth portrayed in Russian plays.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Admitting to feeling foolish for falling in love and being in that emotional state.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing sorrow or disappointment in an old-fashioned way ("hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day").
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Despite remembering a passionate kiss, acknowledging that the person isn't meant for the singer.
I guess he's not for me
Reiterating the conclusion that the person of interest is not the right match despite the memories.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Repeating the feeling of foolishness for falling in love and being in that emotional state.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing sorrow or disappointment in an old-fashioned way, echoing the sentiment.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Reaffirming the persistence of the memory of a kiss but acknowledging its lack of significance for the singer's future love life.
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