My Last Affair
Ella & Basie Lyrics

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[Chorus]
Can't you see
What love and romance have done to me?
I'm not the same as I used to be
This is my last affair

Tragedy
Just seems to be the end of me

My happiness is misery
This is my last affair

Right from the start you took my love
Tore my heart apart
Now there's nothing new to look forward to
My dreams won't come true

So I'll make a vow
No more to love's shrine will I bow
I've crossed my heart and I'll seal it now
This is my last affair

[Chorus]

I say, tragedy
Just seems to be the end of me
My happiness is misery
This is my last affair

Right from the start you took my love
Tore my heart apart
Now there's nothing new to look forward to
My dreams won't come true

So I'll make a vow
No more to love's shrine will I bow
I've crossed my heart and I'll seal it now

This is my last affair
This is my last affair

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie's song "My Last Affair" depict the aftermath of a destructive relationship on the singer. The chorus, "Can't you see what love and romance have done to me? I'm not the same as I used to be," illustrates the emotional impact that the love interest has had. The singer has lost their former self, and a sense of misery is palpable throughout the song.

The lyrics offer a sense of finality and resolution. The singer has vowed not to become involved in another relationship, stating "No more to love's shrine will I bow." The lyrics reveal a transformation within the singer from someone who was consumed with love and romance to someone who has given up on the possibility of finding love again.

Entertainingly, the lyrics' tone is somewhat belied by Ella Fitzgerald's and Count Basie's effortless swing in the music. The song is somewhat bittersweet as its cheerful composition contradicts with the lyrics' sorrowful nature.

Line by Line Meaning

Can't you see
Do you not notice

What love and romance have done to me?
How they have affected me

I'm not the same as I used to be
I have changed

This is my last affair
I am done with relationships

Tragedy
Sadness

Just seems to be the end of me
Feels like it is the end of the world

My happiness is misery
I am very unhappy

Right from the start you took my love
From the beginning, you had my heart

Tore my heart apart
You broke my heart

Now there's nothing new to look forward to
I have lost hope for the future

My dreams won't come true
My hopes and aspirations are unlikely to become reality