But Not for Me
Sammy Davis Jr. Lyrics


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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 found more clouds are gray
Than any rainy day, could guarantee

I was a fool to fall, and get that way
I should have known the price, I'd have to pay
Although I can't dismiss





The memory of his kiss
I guess he's not for me

Overall Meaning

In Sammy Davis Jr.'s "But Not for Me," the singer laments about not experiencing the same good fortune that others seem to have in finding love. The first line, "They're writing songs of love, but not for me," is a nod to the popular love songs being written and performed at the time, but the singer feels left out of the love narrative. The second line, "A lucky star's above, but not for me," suggests that even the singer's luck seems to be ill-fated when it comes to love.


The singer has tried to find their way with love, but ultimately found themselves disappointed. The third and fourth line of the verse, "With love to lead the way, I found more clouds are gray than any rainy day could guarantee," speaks to a sense of loss and disappointment in one’s efforts to find love. Despite their best intentions, the singer found more gloom than expected.


The next verse speaks of a broken heart, as the singer reflects on being affected negatively by love. They realize that they made a mistake by letting themselves fall deeply in love, and that the reward was not worth the emotional price they had to pay. However, they still can't dismiss the memory of their lover's kiss, indicating that even though they were hurt, they were still deeply in love.


Line by Line Meaning

They're writing songs of love, but not for me
People are writing romantic songs, but none of them seem to fit my situation.


A lucky star's above, but not for me
There may be good things happening in the world, but I'm not benefiting from them.


With love to lead the way
I thought love would solve my problems.


I found more clouds are gray
Instead, I found that there was more pain and sadness than I anticipated.


Than any rainy day, could guarantee
It's as if there is a guarantee that there will be more bad days than good ones.


I was a fool to fall, and get that way
I was foolish for falling in love and putting myself in this vulnerable position.


I should have known the price, I'd have to pay
I should have anticipated the heartbreak and pain that comes with falling in love.


Although I can't dismiss
Even though I can't forget or ignore


The memory of his kiss
The memory of his affection and intimacy


I guess he's not for me
I have come to the realization that he is not the right person for me.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: George Gershwin, Ira Gershwin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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