His first album, Marshall Crenshaw, was acclaimed as a pop masterpiece upon release, proving Crenshaw a first-rate songwriter, singer and guitarist. His second album, Field Day, sported a somewhat heavier sound which displeased some listeners, but Field Day is regarded by many critics as Crenshaw's best album, and one of the classic power pop statements, although Crenshaw's work, like Alex Chilton's, transcends the genre. "Some of the stuff I've done you could call power pop," he told an interviewer. "But the term does have sort of a dodgy connotation."
Although Marshall Crenshaw has never sold enormous numbers of records, he enjoys a reputation as one of the finest songwriters of the era, with roots in classic soul music, British Invasion songcraft, Burt Bacharach and Buddy Holly -- to whom Crenshaw was often compared in the early days of his career, and whom he portrayed in the 1987 film La Bamba. In 1989 he compiled a collection of Capitol Records country performers of the '50s and '60s called Hillbilly Music...Thank God, Vol. 1, which was extremely well-received. In 1993 he made an appearance in the cult TV show The Adventures of Pete and Pete, in the role of a guitar-playing meter reader. In 1994 he published a book, Hollywood Rock: A Guide to Rock 'n' Roll in the Movies. He continues to record, and in 1999 released the critically acclaimed #447.
Crenshaw has recently been playing guitar with the reunited members of the MC5.
Not for Me
Marshall Crenshaw Lyrics
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Afraid to face a little sadness
If I follow your direction
Where would I be?
But I don't have to wonder I know definitely
That it's just not for me
Yeah I know what happened last time
You've be waiting around for something
You'll never see
I don't have to wonder I know definitely
That it's just not for me
So I know what not to do
Cause I learned it from you yeah
Now I feel sorry for you
And I hope that someday I can thank you
Now you're still waiting around for something
You'll never see
I don't have to wonder I know definitely
That it's just not for me
So I know what not to do
Cause I learned from you
I feel sorry for you
And I hope that someday I can thank you
I know what happened last time
But you'll never recover lost time
If I follow your direction
Where would I be?
I don't have to wonder I know definitely
That it's just not for me
The lyrics to Marshall Crenshaw's song "Not for Me" express insight and a sense of caution. The song is about someone who is observing another person in a situation that they know is not going to end well. They see the other person standing "helpless" and "afraid to face a little sadness". The singer contemplates following the direction of the person they are observing, but ultimately decides against it because they know "what happened last time". There is a sense of resignation and sympathy in the lyrics, as the singer "feels sorry" for the other person and hopes that someday they can thank them. Overall, the song is about learning from the mistakes of others and making a conscious decision to avoid repeating them.
Line by Line Meaning
I see you standin' helpless
I observe that you are in a state of hopelessness and despair.
Afraid to face a little sadness
You are scared of experiencing any negative emotions.
If I follow your direction
Where would I be?
I question where I would end up if I were to follow your lead.
But I don't have to wonder I know definitely
That it's just not for me
I don't have to speculate because I know for certain that your way of life is not suitable for me.
Yeah I know what happened last time
I am aware of the negative outcome of a similar situation in the past.
And someday you'll wake up to find that
You've been waiting around for something
You'll never see
Eventually, you will realize that you have been waiting in vain for something that will never happen.
So I know what not to do
Cause I learned it from you yeah
Now I feel sorry for you
I know what actions to avoid because I learned from your mistakes and I empathize with your situation.
And I hope that someday I can thank you
I aspire to be grateful for the lessons I learned from you.
Now you're still waiting around for something
You'll never see
Currently, you are still holding out hope for a futile outcome.
I know what happened last time
But you'll never recover lost time
I am aware of what happened before, but it is not possible to regain the wasted time.
I don't have to wonder I know definitely
That it's just not for me
Again, I am certain that your way is not suitable for me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARSHALL H CRENSHAW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind