Gleason could not read or write music in a conventional sense; he was said to have conceived melodies in his head and described them vocally to staff help. He did likewise with the well-remembered themes of both The Jackie Gleason Show ("Melancholy Serenade") and The Honeymooners ("You're My Greatest Love"). There has been some controversy over the years as to how much credit Gleason should have received for the finished products; it has been written that beyond the possible conceptualizing of many of the songs, Gleason had no direct involvement such as conducting in the making of these recordings. However, his main musical companion, cornetist and trumpeter Bobby Hackett once said: "Jackie knows a lot more about music than people give him credit for. I have seen him conduct a sixty-piece orchestra and detect one discordant note in the brass section. He would immediately stop the music and locate the wrong note. It always amazed the professional musicians how a guy who technically did not know one note from another could do that. And he was never wrong."
Born February 26, 1916 in Brooklyn, New York, United States. He died on June 24, 1987
But Not For Me
Jackie Gleason 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 song "But Not For Me" by Jackie Gleason is a poignant portrayal of heartbreak and disillusionment in love. The singer of the song is frustrated with the unrealistic expectations that people have when it comes to love. They reject the idea that dreams come true and love will lead the way. The singer feels that they have experienced more "clouds of gray" than any Russian play could guarantee. The use of this metaphor suggests that life is not as rosy as the love stories we hear about.
The singer is also bitter towards those who try to offer them encouragement. They reject any notion that fate plays a role in finding a romantic partner. The repetition of "it's all bananas" underscores the singer's frustration with these trite and meaningless platitudes. The final lines of the song show a sense of resignation but also a hint of nostalgia. The singer acknowledges that they were foolish to fall for their romantic interest, but they cannot dismiss the memory of his kiss.
Overall, the song captures the feeling of disappointment and disillusionment that can come with love. It conveys a sense of cynicism towards pop culture's depiction of romance, while still acknowledging the emotional significance of past love affairs.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sunshine listen you
I don't want to hear any optimistic talk about the future
Never tell me dreams come true
I don't believe in fairy tales or idealistic visions
Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you push me too hard, I'll get angry
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
I don't want advice from a gossip columnist
Ever tell me he will care
I'm convinced that no one will ever love me
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I believe that my romantic opportunities are over
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I don't want to be around people who are overly optimistic
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
I disagree with the idea that destiny provides a soulmate
It's all bananas
I think that notion is completely ridiculous
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Love songs don't apply to my life
A lucky star's above but not for me
I don't believe that I have good luck or fortune
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Even when I try to be optimistic about love, I still end up feeling sad and disappointed
Than any Russian play could guarantee
My experiences with romance are more bleak than any Russian tragedy
I was a fool to fall and get that way
I regret getting emotionally invested in a romantic relationship
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
I am expressing a sense of sadness and disappointment
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
I still have fond memories of the physical connection we had
I guess he's not for me
I realize that this person is not meant to be my long-term partner
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
John Adams
Always gotta put Gleason's Orchestra right up there with any top big bands that ever played a lick. Really like versions that don't ruin a ballad by rushing the tempo, and I'm glad Mr Gleason felt the same way about it with a gem such as this one right here. Thank you so very much.
AJ Arriaga
In bed, headphones on, a cold beer on the night stand...waiting for the trumpet solo....
and a w a y w e g o.
Cheri Lea
Such Talent.. Beautifully Beautiful. 🎶 💖🌹
V P
Sip of whisky and think of the silly past. When we loved and lost. But silly melancholy sets in. And yet our minds go to a different time....
Zane Grey
I love you Becky. I think of you many times each day.
rob dykes
L.A. confidential brilliant movie this on the soundtrack and other great songs
Kevin Striker
I got the Blu-ray that comes with a CD of the soundtrack. I love that rendition too, but the lonely trumpet in this video is pure perfection. Makes me think it was an inspiration to Jerry Goldsmith's Chinatown Theme in some way.
K Jennings
Just watched it again this evening for about the 20th time. Love it and love the soundtrack.
Max P
Yes