But Not for Me
Ella Fitzgerald Lyrics


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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 lackaday
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 lackaday
Although I can't dismiss




The memory of his kiss
I guess he's not for me

Overall Meaning

The song "But Not for Me" by Ella Fitzgerald is a melancholic tune about longing for love but finding disappointment instead. The first two lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, as Ella sings, "They're writing songs of love, but not for me. A lucky star's above, but not for me." She feels left out of the romance that seems to be all around her, as if the universe is conspiring against her.


The next few lines explain her experience in love. "With love to lead the way, I've found more clouds of gray than any Russian play could guarantee." Here Ella implies that she has experienced such heartache that it would make even a Russian drama seem like a walk in the park. However, despite her disappointment, she still reflects on a particular moment with fondness, "Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss. I guess he's not for me."


The song goes on to repeat that last verse, with Ella expressing her regret for falling in love and then acknowledging that the man she fell for is not meant for her. The melancholic tone of the song leaves the listener feeling sympathy for Ella and the unrequited love that she experiences.


Line by Line Meaning

They're writing songs of love, but not for me
Even though people are celebrating love through songs, I can't seem to find someone to love me.


A lucky star's above, but not for me
There may be good fortune coming to others, but none for me in terms of finding love.


With love to lead the way
Although I have been searching for love and allowing it to guide me, it hasn't worked out.


I've found more clouds of gray
Instead of finding love, I have experienced gloominess and sadness.


Than any Russian play could guarantee
Even in the most tragic Russian plays, I have experienced more sadness and heartbreak in real life.


I was a fool to fall and get that way
I regret falling in love and allowing myself to feel vulnerable because it ended in disappointment.


Hi ho, alas, and also lackaday
This phrase expresses a feeling of despair and sadness.


Although I can't dismiss
Even though I cannot forget about the memory of a past lover,


The memory of his kiss
Specifically, I remember the feeling of being kissed by that person.


I guess he's not for me
Ultimately, I have come to the realization that the person who kissed me is not meant to be with me.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@raulabimael144

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 grey
Than any Russian play
Could guarantee
I was a fool to fall and get that way
Heigh-ho! Alas! And also, lack-a-day!
Although I can't dismiss
The mem'ry of his kiss
I guess he's not for me
He's knocking on a door, but not for me
He'll plan a two by four, but not for me
I know that love's a game
I'm puzzled, just the same
Was I the moth or flame?
I'm all at sea
It all began so well, but what an end!
This is the time a fella needs a friend
When ev'ry happy plot
Ends with the marriage knot
And there's no knot for me



All comments from YouTube:

@adamcarrington2818

This is pure silk. How can something this beautiful be this sad? Ella and Gershwin were geniuses. We were so lucky to have them and through gold-dust like this they'll both live forever. RIP and thank you.

@johnparkinson8686

no words can describe how beautiful this is.I hope the young generation listen to this and learn to appreciate it in time as it brings so much pleasure to the listener.

@stevenserdinsky5870

Sorry, not the last two generations, they do not have what is in the heart to understand what these and other songs convey.

@korisnthere

***** I'm 15. :P I play an instrument though, so I'm more motivated to explore other branches of music. I got into jazz in particular though because of an anime called Boys on the Slope about a group of friends who play jazz. 

@MckenzieLovesMusic

I'm 12 and have to sing these types of songs in my musical theatre exams, it hasn't died! :)

@naomiwharry4177

I'm 16, and i love jazz to no end. this is definitely very beautiful and a lot of the music of this era just has the most beautiful way of expressing heartbreak and joy and love. It helps keep me sane. It makes me a better person. I'm sure of that.

@AxMiha3D

Right on the money, Steven. Agreed 1000%.

3 More Replies...

@SaraAgan-qf6ki

I have musical tastes all over the map. I missed my calling to be a vocalist and song writer . So I admire so many vastly different musicians from blues to punk to rap to jazz to country alternative metal .. but Ella Fitzgerald is one voice one absolutely talented vocalist that I just have to say , I can’t imagine not ever having heard her stuff. She took me through several hard times and kept me alive!👍

@JnthnHuerta

This kind of music will never die. No matter what generation, there will always be people that will love this. Such nostalgia will live on forever.

@m0-m0

I'd say it's timeless, therefore no nostalgia needed

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