My Old Flame
Max Roach 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 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 his 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 way
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 his name but I'll never be the same
Until I discover what became of my old flame

Overall Meaning

In Max Roach's song My Old Flame, the singer reflects on a past lover and compares all their subsequent relationships to this previous flame. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and a desire to reconnect with this mysterious "old flame." The singer can't even remember their name, but thoughts of them still "go flashing back again" from time to time.


The singer notes that all their new lovers seem "so tame" compared to this old flame, who was "magnificent" and "elegant." The comparisons with other lovers are futile; "their attempts at love were only imitations" of the real thing. This suggests that the relationship with the old flame was unique and unmatched, casting a long shadow over all future romantic endeavors.


The final lines express the singer's deep yearning for resolution. They won't be the same until they "discover what became" of their old flame. It's unclear what happened to this person or whether they even still exist, but the unresolved feelings linger on.


Overall, the song captures the bittersweet nostalgia of looking back on a past love that still holds power over the present. The singer's wistful tone and vivid imagery create a sense of emotional depth and complexity.


Line by Line Meaning

My old flame, I can't even think of his name but it's funny now and then
I often forget the name of my past lover, though it amuses me how my mind still occasionally goes back to them.


How my thoughts go flashing back again to my old flame
My mind often reminisces about my ex-partner, and I can't seem to stop it.


My old flame, my new lovers all seem so tame
Compared to my previous partner, all my new partners seem dull and unexciting.


For I haven't met a gent so magnificent or elegant as my old flame
I've never met anyone as charming and graceful as my ex-partner.


I've met so many who had fascinating ways
I've met numerous people who had intriguing personalities.


A fascinating gaze in their eyes, some who took me up to the skies
Many had mesmerizing looks, and some even gave me euphoric feelings.


But their attempts at love were only imitations of my old flame
However, their efforts to love me never came close to the passion and romance of my past lover.


I can't even think of his name but I'll never be the same
Even though I can't remember their name, they have significantly impacted my life and changed me forever.


Until I discover what became of my old flame
I will continue to wonder and search for what happened to my past lover.




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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