Jo Stafford (born Jo Elizabeth Stafford, 12 November 1917, in Coalinga, Cal… Read Full Bio ↴Jo Stafford (born Jo Elizabeth Stafford, 12 November 1917, in Coalinga, California and died July 16, 2008 at Century City, California) was an American jazz and big band singer whose career spanned the late 1930s through the early 1960s. She was known especially as a fond favorite of name bandleaders during World War II and in the years immediately after. Stafford was greatly admired for the purity of her voice and was considered one of the most versatile vocalists of the era. Even now, hers are widely held as the supreme versions of jazz standards "It Could Happen to You" and "Blue Moon." She sang with male partners on occasion, including Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. She was also considered a pioneer of modern musical parody, having won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1961 (with husband Paul Weston) for their album Jonathan and Darlene Edwards in Paris.

Better Luck Next Time
Jo Stafford Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Better luck next time?
That could never be,
Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me,
No sirree!
Made up my mind to make another start,
I've made my mind up but I can't make up my heart.

I'd like a new lucky day, that would be nice,

But this comes just once in a lifetime, not twice,
So don't say, "Better luck next time", that could never be,
Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me.

So don't say, "Better luck next time", that could never be,

Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me,
Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me.

Overall Meaning

In Jo Stafford's "Better Luck Next Time," the singer is expressing a sense of finality in regard to a romantic relationship. The singer is rejecting the idea of trying again or hoping for another opportunity, recognizing that there won't be a "next time" with their former partner. The phrase "better luck next time" is typically used to offer reassurance or encouragement after a failure, but in this context, it comes across as misguided, as there won't be another chance for this particular relationship.

The singer acknowledges the difficulty of moving forward, as they've "made up [their] mind but can't make up [their] heart." This line speaks to the common experience of knowing intellectually that it's time to let go but struggling to actually do so emotionally. The singer is also searching for a stroke of luck to help them through this tough time, but recognizes that such luck is rare and likely won't come again.

Overall, the song depicts a poignant moment of acceptance and resignation after a painful breakup. Rather than try again or hold out hope for a brighter future, the singer acknowledges the reality of the situation and chooses to move forward without their former partner.

Line by Line Meaning

Better luck next time?
Are you suggesting that I should hope for another chance to succeed?

That could never be,
I am certain that there will be no such opportunity for me.

Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me,
Due to my current situation, I will not have the chance to try again.

No sirree!
I am certain of my decision.

Made up my mind to make another start,
I have decided to begin again with a fresh outlook.

I've made my mind up but I can't make up my heart.
Although I have made a decision, my emotions are not yet aligned with it.

I'd like a new lucky day, that would be nice,
It would be pleasant to have another chance at success.

But this comes just once in a lifetime, not twice,
However, I recognize that opportunities like this are rare and do not come around again.

So don't say, "Better luck next time", that could never be,
Please do not suggest that I try again, as it is not possible.

Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me.
I have accepted the reality that this was my only chance.

Because there ain't gonna be no next time for me.
I repeat, there will not be another opportunity for me to try again.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: IRVING BERLIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Comments from YouTube:

Peter Holwill

Jo Stafford had a lovely voice, but when you've heard Judy Garland sing this song in Easter Parade she had an ability to convey sadness and emotion, takes her version beyond comparison with most other singers.