You're Not The Kind
Count Basie Lyrics


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You say you're falling in love with me
That's why I sit here and cry
For that is something that never can be
And here's the reason why

For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
You say that you never would doubt me
Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me

For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
You say that you never would doubt me
Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square




It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of You’re Not The Kind by Count Basie speak about a person who is being pursued for romantic interest but refuses to reciprocate because they do not believe that they are the right fit for their suitor. The person being pursued confesses that they are falling in love with them, which causes the singer to feel sad and cry because they know that it can never happen. The reason for this is because the singer believes that they are not compatible and lists the qualities that they possess that are incompatible with their suitor.


The singer describes themselves as just a song and dance while describing their suitor as a symphony. This metaphor implies that the singer is simple and shallow while their suitor is deep and complex. The singer also claims to be the kind of person who would never play fair while their suitor is always square. These statements suggest that the singer is not trustworthy or honest and that their suitor is the opposite. Ultimately, the singer concludes that it is hard to let go of their suitor, but they know that it is necessary because they are not the kind of person their suitor needs.


Line by Line Meaning

You say you're falling in love with me
You claim to be developing romantic feelings for me


That's why I sit here and cry
This revelation makes me so emotional that I'm crying


For that is something that never can be
However, we can never be together in that way


And here's the reason why
Let me explain the basis of this impossibility


For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
You and I are fundamentally incompatible


'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
I'm simple and ordinary, while you're complex and extraordinary


You say that you never would doubt me
You claim that you trust me completely


Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
But I'm warning you that you'd be happier without me in your life


'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
I have a tendency to be dishonest and manipulate situations to my advantage


And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
You, on the other hand, are always honest and straightforward


It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
It's difficult for me to end things between us, but it's only because I know the truth


That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
You and I are just not meant to be together


For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
Once again, you and I are simply not compatible


'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
I'm just an insignificant part of your life, while you are the main attraction


You say that you never would doubt me
You continue to insist that you trust me completely


Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
But I'm still warning you that you'd be happier without me around


'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
I can't help but be dishonest and manipulative, which would negatively affect our relationship


And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
You would always be honest and good-natured, which would make it difficult for us to get along


It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
Breaking things off between us is incredibly difficult, but I know it's for the best


That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
At the end of the day, we are just not right for each other




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Irving Mills, Will Hudson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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