It's Not You It's Me
Jason Schwartzman Lyrics
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How you've come back in style
Singing hey nonny na na na na
Back on the block
Singing hey nonny na na na na
C'mon hey nonny na na na na
C'mon hey nonny na na na na
One two three
Tell her that I just can't go on
Tell her that there's just something wrong
Tell her that I just can't go on
Uh huh
Tell her that I just can't go on
Tell her that there's just something wrong
Tell her that I just can't go on
Uh huh
Back by demand
Do whatever you can
You look older I can tell by your hands
Drinks only gin says its …
And she's crying after every meal
Lord you don't know how you're making me feel
Rrraah
Tell her that I just can't go on
Tell her that there's just something wrong
Tell her that I just can't go on
Uh huh
Tell her that I just can't go on
Tell her that there's just something wrong
Tell her that I just can't go on
Uh huh
Oh no
Six records in
Don't know where to begin
Singing nonny na na na na
Tell her that I just can't go on
You'll follow through it's the best you can do
Singing hey nonny na na na na
Tell her that I just can't go on
C'mon hey nonny na na na na
Tell her that I just can't go on
The opening lyrics of Jason Schwartzman's "It's Not You It's Me" suggests that the singer has been away for some time, and the person they are speaking to has come "back in style." The repetition of "hey nonny na na na na" is used to illustrate how the person is talking but not actually saying anything of substance, just idle chatter. The singer then reveals to this person that they can't go on, that there is something wrong, and that they are making them feel a certain way.
The song seems to be about a relationship that has ended or is coming to an end. The singer seems to have tried to resolve whatever was wrong, but is unable to carry on any further. The verses in between the choruses suggest that this person drinks quite a bit of gin and cries after every meal, which could indicate that something is wrong with them or that they are having a hard time dealing with whatever is going on in the relationship. The singer is trying to distance themselves from the situation, but the other person keeps following them and trying to talk to them even though they have made it clear that they can't go on.
In terms of the overall tone of the song, the repetition of the "hey nonny na na na na" gives it a playful and almost whimsical feel juxtaposed with the underlying seriousness of the situation. The singer seems to be delivering their lines with a sense of resignation and sadness, but also a sense of detachment. They repeat the phrase "Tell her that I just can't go on" several times, suggesting that they are trying to convince this other person that it is really over.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a while
It's been a long time since we last spoke or saw each other.
How you've come back in style
I notice that you've been doing well and looking good since the last time I saw you.
Singing hey nonny na na na na
This line is a meaningless filler, meant to fit the melody of the song.
Back on the block
You're back in town and we're in the same place again.
Really nothing but talk
We don't have much to say to each other anymore, despite having spent time together in the past.
C'mon hey nonny na na na na
This is another meaningless filler line, meant to match the melody.
One two three
This is just a musical cue to start the next verse.
Tell her that I just can't go on
I need to end things with her because I can't keep going like this.
Tell her that there's just something wrong
We're just not compatible or things aren't working out for some reason.
Uh huh
This is just an affirmation, agreeing with the sentiment of the previous lines.
Back by demand
You've returned and I'm seeing you again, although it's not clear why.
Do whatever you can
You're trying to make things work or maintain our relationship, even if it's difficult.
You look older I can tell by your hands
I can see that you've aged since the last time I saw you, although it's not clear why it matters.
Drinks only gin says its …
You only drink one type of alcohol, gin, and it has some significance in the context of the relationship.
And she's crying after every meal
You're unhappy or dissatisfied somehow, to the point where you're crying often.
Lord you don't know how you're making me feel
This situation or relationship is causing me a lot of pain and discomfort.
Rrraah
This is another meaningless filler line that's just meant to match the melody.
Oh no
This is an expression of concern or frustration, although it's not clear what it's in reference to.
Six records in
This is just a brag or a statement of fact about how many albums the singer has released.
Don't know where to begin
Despite having a lot of experience or success, the artist is at a loss as to what to do next.
Singing nonny na na na na
This is once again a meaningless filler line, meant to match the melody.
You'll follow through it's the best you can do
The artist is trying to offer encouragement or support to someone else, although it's not clear who.
Contributed by Lily A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.