Ethel Agnes Zimmerman was born in the third floor bedroom of her grandmother's house at 359 4th Avenue in Astoria, Queens. Growing up near Famous Players-Lasky's Astoria Studios, young Ethel often watched the silent movie stars drive by in their massive cars, and she dreamed of joining their ranks one day. Her powerful voice won attention when her family worshipped at Holy Redeemer Episcopal Church, and she began making local concert appearances. She also frequently attended vaudeville performances at The Palace Theater in Manhattan, watching great stars like Fanny Brice and Sophie Tucker.
Ethel's parents Edward (an accountant) and Agnes (a school teacher) understood Ethel's love of singing, but they did not see show business as a reliable career choice for a woman. They insisted that she get a solid education with thorough training in secretarial skills, so she would have something to fall back on if her dreams of stardom didn't pan out. After Ethel graduating William Cullen Bryant High School, she earned a respectable $28 a week as a stenographer for the owner of a local factory. She picked up extra money by singing at private parties and in night clubs. Ethel was so efficient that her indulgent boss (who only came in two days a week) overlooked her taking nap breaks at the office after late night performances. When Ethel's gigs multiplied, her parents accepted the inevitable and allowed her to give up the day job and sing full-time.
But Not for Me
Ethel Merman Lyrics
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A lucky star's above, but not for me
With love to lead the way
I found more clouds are gray
Than any rainy day, could guarantee
I was a fool to fall, and get that way
I should have known the price, I'd have to pay
The memory of his kiss
I guess he's not for me
The lyrics to Ethel Merman's "But Not for Me" convey the feeling of unrequited love. The opening line "They're writing songs of love, but not for me" sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is about the singer's inability to find love despite seeing others who have been lucky in love. The mention of a "lucky star" above only highlights the contrast between what the singer sees and what they may be experiencing.
The second verse bolsters the idea of the singer's love life being shrouded in clouds. Despite having love lead the way, which is often seen as a positive thing, the singer realizes that they have found more gray clouds on their journey than sunny days. This is further amplified when compared to a rainy day; while a rainy day usually signifies sadness, the singer implies that even their saddest days are not as sad as their love life.
The last verse is the epitome of the song's message: the singer realizes that they were a fool to fall in love with someone who does not reciprocate their feelings. The memory of the loved one's kiss remains with them, but they ultimately accept that the love they seek is not for them.
In summary, Ethel Merman's "But Not for Me" is all about unrequited love and the singer's realization that they will not be lucky in love like others they have observed.
Line by Line Meaning
They're writing songs of love, but not for me
People are creating romantic music, but none of it applies to me.
A lucky star's above, but not for me
Although good things are happening to others, I am not fortunate enough to be a part of it.
With love to lead the way
Love is supposed to guide one's life
I found more clouds are gray
It turns out that many things in my romantic life are not good at all.
Than any rainy day, could guarantee
Even a dismal day seems to guarantee more joy than my present situation.
I was a fool to fall, and get that way
Regretfully, I indulged in love despite knowing better.
I should have known the price, I'd have to pay
I knew that I'd get hurt, but I ignored the signs.
Although I can't dismiss
I cannot ignore
The memory of his kiss
That passionate kiss we shared is still in my memory.
I guess he's not for me
I realize now that this guy may not be the right one for me.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind