But Not For Me
Ann Hampton Callaway Lyrics
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Never tell me dreams come true
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Ever tell me he will care
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
They're writing songs of love but not for me
A lucky star's above but not for me
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Than any Russian play could guarantee
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
I guess he's not for me
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
The lyrics of Ann Hampton Callaway's song "But Not For Me" begin with a dismissal of the idea of dreams coming true and love being in the air. The singer rejects any cheerful optimism and instead declares that fate does not supply a mate and any such notions are nonsense. The singer then laments her own love life, stating that while others may be writing songs of love, her luck is not the same. Despite a supposed lucky star above her, she has found more clouds of grey than any Russian play could guarantee. The second half of the song reflects on a past relationship where the singer admits fault in falling in love and getting hurt. Despite the pain, the memory of his kiss lingers, but ultimately the singer accepts that he is not for her.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sunshine listen you
I don't want to hear any optimistic or hopeful outlook
Never tell me dreams come true
Don't even dare to tell me that my dreams may come true
Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you push me to believe otherwise, I'll become angry and protest
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
I don't want to hear from any advice columnists either
Ever tell me he will care
Don't even suggest that he may care for me. I know it's not true
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I'm convinced that it's over and done with
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I don't want to hear from anyone who is optimistic or naive
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
I don't believe that destiny has picked a partner for me
It's all bananas
It's all nonsense and ridiculous
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Other people may write and sing about love, but it's not for me
A lucky star's above but not for me
Even if there is a lucky star above, it's not shining on me
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite trying to follow love, I've ended up with more disappointment and sadness
Than any Russian play could guarantee
My life is more miserable than any Russian play
I was a fool to fall and get that way
I realize that I made a mistake by falling in love
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing melancholy, sorrow and regret
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Even though I still remember the moment we kissed, I have to move on from it
I guess he's not for me
I accept that he's not the one for me
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind