My Old Flame
Linda Ronstadt with Nelson Riddle and his Orchestra Lyrics

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My old flame
I can't even think of his name
But it's funny now and then
How my thoughts go flashing back again
To my old flame
My old flame
My new lovers all seem so tame
For I haven't met a gent

So innocent or elegant
As my old flame

I've met so many men
With fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes
Some who sent me up to the skies
But their attempts at love
Were only imitations of
My old flame
I can't even think of his name
But I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became
Of my old flame

I've met so many men
With fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes
Some who sent me up to the skies
But their attempts at love
Were only imitations of
My old flame
I can't even think of his name
But I'll never be the same

Until I discover what became
Of my old flame

Overall Meaning

In "My Old Flame", Linda Ronstadt sings about a former lover that she cannot recall the name of but her thoughts frequently go back to him. She compares her new lovers to her old flame and they all seem to be tame in comparison. She reminisces about the innocence and elegance of her old flame, lamenting that she hasn't found anyone else who compares. Ronstadt goes on to describe her encounters with other men who may have had fascinating ways or captivating gazes, but they were only imitations of the original passion she felt with her old flame.

Line by Line Meaning

My old flame
The person I used to be in love with

I can't even think of his name
It's been so long that I can't remember their name

But it's funny now and then
It's amusing how my thoughts still go back to them sometimes

How my thoughts go flashing back again
My memories of them come back suddenly and strongly

To my old flame
To the person I used to be in love with

My new lovers all seem so tame
Compared to my old flame, the people I've been with since then seem boring and unexciting

For I haven't met a gent
I haven't encountered anyone

So innocent or elegant
Who is as pure or refined as my old flame

I've met so many men
I have encountered numerous individuals

With fascinating ways
Who have intriguing personalities

A fascinating gaze in their eyes
An alluring look in their eyes