Burrell made his first recording in 1951, with Dizzy Gillespie. After moving from Detroit to New York City in 1956, he recorded with a wide range of prominent musicians, including John Coltrane, Benny Goodman, Gil Evans, Stan Getz, Billie Holiday, Milt Jackson, Quincy Jones, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, and Cedar Walton. He also led his own groups since 1951.
In the 1970s he began leading seminars about music, particularly Duke Ellington's (Burrell has a music degree from Wayne State University). A highly popular performer, he has won several jazz polls in Japan and the United Kingdom as well as the United States.
He has recorded about 40 LPs, including Midnight Blue (1961), Blue Lights, Guitar Forms, Sunup To Sundown (1990), Soft Winds (1993), Then Along Came Kenny (1993), and Lotus Blossom (1995).
Burrell now serves as Director of Jazz Studies at UCLA.
But Not for Me
Kenny Burrell 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
In Kenny Burrell's song "But Not for Me", the singer refuses to believe that dreams come true, no matter what anyone says. They mock the idea of someone like Beatrice Fairfax telling them that someone will care for them, as they are convinced that the "final curtain" has already fallen on their chances at love. The singer is resolute in their pessimism, even deriding those who believe in fate and destiny as "cheerful Pollyannas". They see love songs as nothing more than a cruel joke, as they continue to find more "clouds of gray" than any Russian play could promise.
Despite everything, the singer cannot forget the memory of a past love's kiss. They regret falling for someone who will never truly be theirs, and acknowledge their own foolishness in the situation. Despite their refusal to believe in love, they cannot ignore the feeling that lingers within them. The song speaks to the universal human struggle of searching for love despite doubts and disappointments, and the hope that fuels that search even in the face of seeming despair.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sunshine listen you
I don't believe in good fortune or luck.
Never tell me dreams come true
Don't try to deceive me with false hope or promises.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
I am willing to fight for what I believe in.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
I don't want to hear from anyone who claims to know what's best for me.
Ever tell me he will care
I don't want to be lied to about someone's feelings for me.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I am convinced that my romantic prospects are over.
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I don't want to be around people who are overly optimistic about love.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
I don't believe that destiny is responsible for finding me a partner.
It's all bananas
I think the idea of finding true love is absurd.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
Love songs don't apply to my current romantic situation.
A lucky star's above but not for me
I don't have good luck when it comes to love.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Despite my efforts to find love, I've experienced more sadness than happiness.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
Even the most tragic stories in literature can't compare to my romantic misfortunes.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
I regret allowing myself to be vulnerable and fall in love.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
I am expressing my disappointment and sadness.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
I still have feelings for someone from my past, despite knowing it won't work out.
I guess he's not for me
I understand that my former love interest isn't the right person for me.
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