Braff was a wonderfully characterful and melodic player with an immediately identifiable sound and unique tone on the cornet, an uncommon instrument in post-war jazz. He style was fundamentally based on that of earlier players including Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett and Bunny Berigan but he transcended these influences to always sounds fresh, sparky and somehow modern.
He was born in Boston and began playing in local clubs in the 1940s. In 1949, he was hired to play with the Edmond Hall Orchestra. He relocated to New York in 1953 where he was much in demand for band dates and recordings.
He died February 10, 2003, in Chatham, Massachusetts.
"Sure, they’ve made statements about my supposedly combining a modern approach with a feeling for traditional forms. Well, people say all sorts of things, because they want to categorise and label. I’ve only ever had two labels. Either it’s good or it stinks." - Ruby Braff speaking in 1968
But Not For Me
Ruby Braff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
The song "But Not For Me" by Ruby Braff tells the story of a person who is deeply pessimistic about love and relationships. The first verse of the song addresses the idea of dreams coming true and how the persona does not believe it. They would rather start a riot than be told that dreams can come true. In the second line, Beatrice Fairfax is addressed, who was a famous advice columnist. The persona addresses her directly and warns her not to tell them that anyone will care about them because they're certain that it's the final curtain. This line refers to the end of a play, suggesting that the persona believes that their love story has come to an end, and they will never find love.
The second verse talks about how the idea of finding love is all bananas when people talk about fate bringing them their perfect match. The persona is tired of hearing about love and being told that fate will bring them their perfect match, as they have not seen any evidence of it being true. They talk about lucky stars above, but not for them. Despite wanting love to lead the way, they find more clouds of gray, as opposed to the love that should lead the way. The final two lines suggest that the persona knows that they have made a mistake by falling in love, and even though they cannot dismiss the memory of their partner's kiss, they know that the person is not for them.
Line by Line Meaning
Old man sunshine listen you
I'm not interested in hearing about the good things in life.
Never tell me dreams come true
I don't believe that anything good ever really happens.
Just try it and I'll start a riot
If you try to prove me wrong, I'll become very angry.
Beatrice Fairfax don't you dare
I don't want to hear from someone who isn't being realistic.
Ever tell me he will care
I don't believe anyone will ever truly care for me.
I'm certain it's the final curtain
I'm sure that my life is destined to end in sadness.
I never want to hear from any cheerful Pollyannas
I don't want to be around people who are always happy and optimistic.
Who tell you fate supplies a mate
People who say that fate will bring you your true love are wrong.
It's all bananas
It's all ridiculous and unbelievable.
They're writing songs of love but not for me
People are always singing about love, but it's not for me.
A lucky star's above but not for me
Others may be lucky in love, but not me.
With love to lead the way I've found more clouds of gray
Even though I've tried to find love, I've only found sadness and disappointment.
Than any Russian play could guarantee
The sadness I've experienced is worse than anything that could happen in a Russian play.
I was a fool to fall and get that way
I made a mistake by falling in love and getting my hopes up.
Hi-ho, alas, and also lack-a-day
I'm expressing my sadness and disappointment.
Although I can't dismiss the memory of his kiss
Even though I know it's not going to work out, I can't forget the good times we had together.
I guess he's not for me
I've come to accept that the person I loved is not meant to be with me.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Péter Piece
Thanks for the post. The best swing feelin' version from this masterpiece. What a line ups from Ruby..
Charles Barry
The name is Hank not Hanks.
Billy James
sounds like Braff farted during his solo..or is farting.