But But
L. Hollis & The Mackadoos Lyrics


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Old man sunshine listen you
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
It's all bananas

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

Overall Meaning

This song, "But Not for Me" by L. Hollis & The Mackadoos, is a poignant and melancholic reflection on unrequited love. The song's protagonist is disillusioned about the prospect of ever finding happiness in love and is convinced that fate has not dealt her a good hand. She is deeply cynical towards cheerful Pollyannas who tell her that her soulmate is out there waiting for her - she thinks they're "bananas." The singer goes on to lament that though people write songs about love all the time, her own love life is not destined for any such happy ending. She imagines a lucky star shining above, but it's not for her. She has tried and failed to find love, but every time she gets close, the final curtain falls on the relationship, and she's left alone with the grey clouds of despair.


The lyrics capture the longing and heartache that often come with unrequited love. The singer is left with only the memory of a kiss, which is bittersweet, but ultimately not enough - that person is not for her. The song's melancholic tone is perfectly captured by the smooth, soulful vocals and the slow, jazzy instrumental accompaniment. The repeated refrain of "but not for me" is both sad and cathartic, a reminder that despite everything, the singer must face the reality that she cannot change her fate. This song is a reminder that sometimes, even when we want something desperately, it just may not be meant for us.


Line by Line Meaning

Old man sunshine listen you
Hey, Mr. Sunshine, listen up


Never tell me dreams come true
Don't ever try to convince me that my dreams will become reality


Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you do try to tell me that, I'll cause chaos


Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
Ms. Fairfax, don't even think about doing it


Ever tell me he will care
Don't tell me that he'll care for me


I'm certain it's the final curtain
I'm certain that this relationship is over


I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I don't want to hear from anyone who's too optimistic or naive


Who tell you fate supplies a mate
People who say that destiny will bring me my soulmate


It's all bananas
It's all nonsense


They're writing songs of love but not for me
People are making songs about love, but they're not meant for me


A lucky star's above but not for me
There may be a lucky star shining above, but it's not shining on me


With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Even though I've tried following love, I've only found more sadness


Than any Russian play could guarantee
More heartache than a Russian play could guarantee


I was a fool to fall and get that way
I was foolish to let myself fall in love like that


Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
An expression of regret and sadness


Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
I can't forget the memory of his kiss


I guess he's not for me
I suppose he's not the one for me




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE GERSHWIN, IRA GERSHWIN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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