My Old Flame
Billie Holiday; Eddie Heywood & His Jazz Six Lyrics
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I can't even think of his name
But it's funny now and then
How my thoughts go flashing back again
To my old flame
My old flame
My new lovers all seem so tame
So magnificent or elegant
As my old flame
I've met so many men
With fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes
Some who sent me up to the skies
But their attempts at love
Were only imitations of
My old flame
I can't even think of his name
But I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became
Of my old flame
I've met so many men
With fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes
Some who sent me up to the skies
But their attempts at love
Were only imitations of
My old flame
I can't even think of his name
But I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became
Of my old flame
In Billie Holiday's song "My Old Flame," the singer reflects on a past lover and how he still holds a special place in her heart. She begins by admitting that she can't even remember his name, but every so often her thoughts drift back to him. She then compares her current suitors to him and finds them lacking in comparison. She notes that she has met many men with fascinating qualities, but none quite match the elegance and magnificence of her old flame. Despite her attempts to move on and find love with others, she can't help but wonder what became of him and how her life might have been different if they had stayed together.
The song speaks to the idea that even though we may move on from past relationships and try to find love with others, there will always be a special place for that one person who captured our heart like no one else. Holiday's melancholic delivery adds to the sense of longing and nostalgia, as she reflects on what might have been had things turned out differently. Ultimately, the song is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of past love.
Line by Line Meaning
My old flame
Referring to a past lover who was much more meaningful than current ones.
I can't even think of his name
Although the memory of my old flame is still fresh, the details are starting to fade.
But it's funny now and then
It's ironic that I can't remember his name, yet I still think of him frequently.
How my thoughts go flashing back again
My mind involuntarily dwells on past moments with my old flame, even when I'm actively trying to move on.
To my old flame
Returning to the theme of a love that was once more intense, meaningful, and powerful than anything that has come since then.
My new lovers all seem so tame
Current romantic interests lack the mystique and allure of the old flame, which makes them unappealing by comparison.
For I haven't met a gent
No one has managed to match the attraction of my previous love.
So magnificent or elegant
Describes the appeal and impressive qualities of the old flame that set them apart from others.
As my old flame
The comparison of the new suitors to the old flame is pointless as they cannot match up.
I've met so many men
Attempts to move on have led to encounters with many romantic prospects.
With fascinating ways
Each had their unique way of capturing and attracting my attention.
A fascinating gaze in their eyes
The depth and intensity of the suitors' gazes added to their intrigue.
Some who sent me up to the skies
These suitors seemed to take me on a high and gave me a feeling of soaring.
But their attempts at love
Despite their best efforts, none of these individuals could match the intensity of my old flame.
Were only imitations of
The suitors were mere copies of what the old flame had to offer, which was nothing short of perfect.
But I'll never be the same
The experience of loving the old flame is something that cannot be replicated or replaced.
Until I discover what became
To truly move on, I need closure to confirm whether my old flame has moved on or is still out there somewhere.
Of my old flame
The song ends with the same desire to relive past memories and connections with the old flame.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SAM COSLOW, ARTHUR JOHNSTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind