Harry James was born in Albany, Georgia, the son of a bandleader of a traveling circus. By age 10 he was taking trumpet lessons from his father. His father had him on a very strict practicing schedule every day. He was given one page to learn out of the Arban's book (a trumpet drill book) every day and could not do anything until he learned that page.
In 1931 the family settled in Beaumont, Texas and James began playing with local dance bands. James joined the nationally popular Ben Pollack in 1935. At the start of 1937 he left Pollack to join Benny Goodman's orchestra, where he stayed through 1938.
In February of 1939 Harry James debuted his own big band in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He continued touring with the band into the 1980s. His was the first "name band" to employ vocalist Frank Sinatra, in 1939. In 1943 he married actress Betty Grable.
His first wife was ex B.Goodman singer.,Louise Tobin.
You can hear his trumpet playing in the 1950 film Young Man with a Horn, dubbing Kirk Douglas. His recording of "I'm Beginning to See the Light" appears in the motion picture My Dog Skip (2000). James recorded many popular records and appeared in many Hollywood movies.
In 1983, James was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer, but he continued to work, playing his last professional job on 26 June 1983 in Los Angeles just nine days before his death in Las Vegas, Nevada.
But Not for Me
Harry James Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never tell me dreams come true
Just try it and I'll start a riot
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Ever tell me he will care
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
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 lack-a-day
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 lack-a-day
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
The opening lines of Harry James's song "But Not for Me" express defiance against optimistic hopefulness, setting the tone for the rest of the lyrics. The belief that dreams do not come true introduces the idea of resignation, and the character begins by declaring that she will not be pursued by fate or chance. She dismisses the cheerful Pollyannas who insist that optimism attracts a suitable partner. The character feels certain that she is destined for heartbreak and abruptly ends the relationship before it even begins.
The rest of the song describes the disappointment and loss that the character experiences. She contrasts her own desire for love with the songs that others sing about it, remarking that love seems to be for everyone but her. The mention of a "lucky star" is ironic, as the character feels that she has no luck in love. Her journey towards finding love is filled with "clouds of gray" like a sad Russian play, and she believes that it is all futile. She acknowledges that she was a fool to fall in love, but the memory of his kiss still lingers.
Overall, the lyrics to Harry James's song "But Not for Me" are a poignant reflection on the disappointment of unrequited love. The character's feelings of resignation and hopelessness are palpable, and her resolve against being optimistic or hopeful is strong. The song captures the sense of loss and regret that one can feel when love does not work out, and the nostalgia for a memory that is not enough to sustain a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sunshine listen you
I don't want to hear any optimism or positivity about my situation
Never tell me dreams come true
I don't believe in dreams or wishful thinking
Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you try to convince me otherwise, I will become angry and hostile
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Don't even think about telling me that he will care
Ever tell me he will care
I am convinced that he will never care for me
I'm certain it's the final curtain
This is the end for me, there is no hope
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I don't want to hear from anyone who is overly optimistic
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
I don't believe in destiny or soulmates
It's all bananas
It's all nonsense or crazy talk
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Love is being celebrated everywhere, but not for me
A lucky star's above but not for me
Everyone else seems to have good luck, except me
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite my hopes for love, my life is still filled with disappointment and sadness
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Even the tragic endings of Russian plays can't compare to my despair
I was a fool to fall and get that way
I regret falling in love and becoming vulnerable
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
An expression of sadness or disappointment
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Despite my pain, I still can't forget his kiss
I guess he's not for me
I have accepted that he will never love me
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@charlesroth4076
What a beautiful song, always did love it. HELEN FORREST does a. Very good verse with it.
@hansgaming4794
👍