My old flame
Ivie Anderson & Duke Ellington Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

My old flame, I can't even think of her name, but it's funny now and then
How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame, for I haven't met a girl
So magnificent or elegant as my old flame

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
I can't even think of her name, but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame




I can't even think of her name but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

Overall Meaning

The song "My Old Flame" by Ivie Anderson is a lamentation about a lost love that the singer cannot seem to forget, even though they cannot remember the person's name. The song's opening line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics, as the singer expresses their inability to think of their old flame's name while also acknowledging that thoughts of this person do still cross their mind. The singer compares all of their new lovers to their old flame, finding them dull and unexciting in comparison. The nostalgia and longing that the song conveys are palpable throughout, as the singer reflects on their past relationship and suggests that they need to find out what happened to their old flame before they can move on completely.


In many ways, "My Old Flame" is a timeless song that captures the emotions of heartbreak and loss that many people have experienced at some point in their lives. The ambiguity around the identity of the old flame is intentional, as it allows listeners to project their personal experiences onto the song and interpret it in a way that is meaningful to them. The song is a testament to the power of memory, and how even fleeting thoughts of a person we once loved can stay with us for a lifetime.


Line by Line Meaning

My old flame, I can't even think of her name, but it's funny now and then
I can't even remember the name of my past lover, but it's interesting how memories of her still come to me from time to time.


How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My mind keeps revisiting the past moments I shared with my old flame.


My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame, for I haven't met a girl So magnificent or elegant as my old flame
None of my new lovers impress me like my old flame did, she was exceptional and unmatched.


I've met so many who had fascinating ways A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
I have encountered many charming people, with captivating looks and great personalities, who brought me joy and excitement.


But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
However, their love for me always fell short compared to the love I shared with my old flame.


I can't even think of her name, but I'll never be the same Until I discover what became of my old flame
Even though I can't remember her name, I know that my life won't be complete until I find out what happened to her and where she is now.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@Disques13Swing

As always, Ivie Anderson is at the top of her game with the Ellington band!!!

@geerowr.6666

Ivie really stylized this song. She sounds so wistful, which is what the song's interpretation calls for!!! Beautifulissimo!!!!

More Versions