In the mid-1970s, Venuti performed and recorded, again in the limelight: good examples of his latter-day recordings are the Chiaroscuro CD's Joe Venuti and Zoot Sims (CR(D) 142) and Joe & Zoot & More (CR(D)126). He died in Seattle, Washington.
Venuti was also a legendary practical joker.
But Not For Me
Joe Venuti Lyrics
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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 lyrics to Joe Venuti's song "But Not For Me" are a reflection of the singer's cynicism and bitterness towards love and romance. The song begins with the singer addressing "Old man sunshine," dismissing any notion that dreams can come true. They sarcastically challenge Beatrice Fairfax, a well-known advice columnist of the time, not to dare tell them that someone will care for them. The singer is convinced that this is the end, that they will never find love.
The song continues with the singer expressing their disdain for those who believe that fate will provide them with a perfect match. They mockingly refer to them as "cheerful Pollyannas" and proclaim that such beliefs are absurd.
In the second verse, the singer acknowledges that while others are writing songs of love and basking under lucky stars, this does not apply to them. Instead of finding love, they have encountered more heartache and disappointment, comparing their experiences to the perpetually gray skies of a Russian play.
Despite recognizing that they were a fool to fall in love and become vulnerable, the singer is unable to forget the memory of their lover's kiss. However, they conclude that he is simply not meant for them, resigning themselves to the belief that they will never find the love they long for.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sunshine listen you
Listen to me, Mr. Optimism, but prepare yourself for the truth
Never tell me dreams come true
Don't try to convince me that dreams can actually come true
Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you dare to make me believe, chaos will ensue
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Beatrice Fairfax, don't even think about it
Ever tell me he will care
Don't ever try to convince me that he will care for me
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I'm sure this is the end, the final act of our relationship
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I have no interest in listening to cheerful optimists
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
Those who believe in fate bringing them a partner
It's all bananas
They're all talking nonsense, it's ridiculous
They're writing songs of love but not for me
People may be writing love songs, but they're not meant for me
A lucky star's above but not for me
Even if there's a lucky star up there, it's not shining on me
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Instead of finding love and happiness, I'm faced with more sadness and despair
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Even more than any bleak Russian play could promise
I was a fool to fall and get that way
I admit I was foolish to fall in love and feel this way
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
Expressing my sorrow and disappointment with a mournful tone
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
I can't deny that I still remember the sweetness of his kiss
Lyrics © 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
Butch83
Braff and Barnes.. two total giants, playing from the same brain.
RRichard RRusse;;
Nice to see these players enjoying what they're doing, great music, thanks
michael caruso
Wayne Wright was one of my dearest friends. A real great guy. I miss you Wayne.
John Whitehead
A gem Thank You
mika11
magnifique, merci!
David St John
George Barnes--Simply the BEST!--Case Closed!
pickinstone
Is this the famous New School concert? There used to be a whole bunch of clips from that concert, but they were taken off youtube a couple of years back. The album is great though, and Barnes was truly a unique player who knew no boundaries. Crisp, full, bright tone as well.
Arkansas Red
Barnes' riffs just flat knock me out. I can see why so many country as well as jazz guitarists dig him. The rhythm guitarist is in Euphoria. The groove am there. Wish I could have been there.
twango2
The lefty playing the magnificent original D'Angelico is Wayn Wright, a great rythm player and lovely person who unfortunately passed away a in 2009. Jim Duncombe
Cliff Works
Ruby Braff cornet, George Barnes guitar, Wayne Wright rhythm guitar and Michael Moore bass