My Old Flame
Mae West Lyrics


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My old flame, I can't even think of her 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 girl
So magnificent or elegant as my old flame

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
I can't even think of her name, but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

I've met so many who had fascinating ways
A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame




I can't even think of her name but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

Overall Meaning

In the song "My Old Flame" by Mae West, the lyrics depict the nostalgic memories of a lover from the past that she can't even seem to recall the name of. The lyrics depict the contrast between old, passionate love and new, lackluster relationships. The singer reflects on how her thoughts often stray back to her old flame even when she is with new lovers who fail to compare to the old one. The lyrics show that despite the intensity of the singer’s new lovers, they all fall short in comparison to the deep-rooted connection she had with her old flame.


The use of the word flame in this song is notable because the term is usually used to describe a current, passionate relationship, whereas here, it describes a relationship from the past. The chorus repeats twice to emphasize the importance of the old flame in the singer's life. The lyrics speak to the universal experience of holding onto memories of past loves, even when they are imperfect or have long since ended.


Line by Line Meaning

My old flame, I can't even think of her name, but it's funny now and then
I still recall my past love, though her name escapes me, but I find it amusing how nostalgia creeps up on me.


How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My mind reminisces and recollects the memories of my former love.


My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame, for I haven't met a girl So magnificent or elegant as my old flame
My current relationships cannot compare to the excitement, charm, and elegance of my ex-lover.


I've met so many who had fascinating ways A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
I have had encounters with other intriguing women, but their love could never match the authenticity and intensity of the love between me and my old flame.


I can't even think of her name, but I'll never be the same Until I discover what became of my old flame
Though I cannot recall her name, I am forever changed by the impact of my former lover, and I cannot move on until I uncover what has become of her.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SAM COSLOW, ARTHUR JOHNSTON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

X X

I love knowing that Mae West and Duke Ellington knew each other , they were but so wonderfully over-the-top stylized ! MAGNIFICENT !

X X

NO ONE HAS EVER DONE THIS MASTERPIECE SONG BETTER THAN HER - SHE WAS SPECTACULAR !!!!

Nicole Stunwyck

So true

Nicole Stunwyck

i love this version 🖤

Rick Smith

This Biltmore 78 rpm pressing is a bootleg recording lifted directly off the soundtrack of "Belle of the Nineties," a Mae West film made in 1934.

Biltmore issued this pirate recording in 1947 and was put out of business shortly afterwards. RCA-Victor and other record companies filed charges against Biltmore for numerous similar copyright violations.

Mae West and the Ellington orchestra made a recording of "My Old Flame" for Victor Records in 1934, where Ellington was under contract at the time.. A few test pressings were made but it was never commercially released. I collect 78 rpm records and I own a copy of this rare recording.

X X

goodbye Mae ! GOD BLESS YOU !

Dan Jameson

Paul Bunyan, Annie Oakley, Calamity Jane, Jim Bowie, Mike Fink, Dick Tracy, ....and Mae West.

Mark Fisher

Cher David ;-) "My Old Flame" famous Mae West comes from France ... actually I can't take it, though ... merci beaucoup, I thank You very much, fa'afetai lava :-)
Mark

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