You Can't Be Mine
Ella Fitzgerald and Her Savoy Eight Lyrics
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And someone else's too
Someday you'll find
I've been a friend to you
I don't believe that life's worth living
I gave you all there was worth giving
You never cared how I fared or what I do
I called you mine, but I was not to blame
For all the time you played up to hand and game
Second-hand love I can't see
It's good for some, but not for me
You can't be mine and someone else's too
Oh, I called you mine, but I was not to blame
For all the time you played up to hand and game
Second-hand love I can't see
It's good for some, but not for me
Oh, you can't be mine and someone else's too
No, you can't be mine and someone else's too
The lyrics to Ella Fitzgerald’s song “You Can’t Be Mine” are about unrequited love, heartbreak, and the realization that the object of her affection belongs to someone else. The singer is trying to come to grips with the fact that her love is not reciprocated and is ultimately resigned to being a friend to the person she loves. The lines “You can’t be mine / And someone else’s too” capture the heart of the song, as the singer realizes that she cannot compete with the other person in the romantic equation.
Despite feeling hurt and heartbroken, the singer recognizes that she cannot blame herself for the situation. She gave her all to the person she loves but in return, never received the same level of care or attention. The phrase “Second-hand love I can’t see / It’s good for some, but not for me” shows that the singer sees through the other person’s façade of affection for her and understands that she is merely a second choice.
In the end, the singer is left with the bitter realization that she cannot have the one she loves because they are taken by someone else. However, she still cherishes the friendship they have and remains hopeful that someday, they will understand and appreciate the love she has for them.
Line by Line Meaning
You can't be mine
I cannot have you exclusively for myself
And someone else's too
While you are already committed to another person
Someday you'll find
At some point in the future, you will realize
I've been a friend to you
That I have been a supportive companion to you throughout our relationship
I don't believe that life's worth living
I feel that life is meaningless and not worth experiencing
I gave you all there was worth giving
I provided you with everything I had to offer
You never cared how I fared or what I do
You did not express any concern for my well-being or my actions
I called you mine, but I was not to blame
I referred to you as my own, but it was not my fault
For all the time you played up to hand and game
Because you manipulated me and played with my emotions throughout our relationship
Second-hand love I can't see
I cannot accept love that is given to someone else before me
It's good for some, but not for me
While others may find it acceptable, it is not enough for my needs
Oh, you can't be mine and someone else's too
Once again asserting that you cannot be mine and another's simultaneously
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chick William Webb, J.c. Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kathleen frye
Go Uncle Teddy❤️