You're Not the Kind
Sarah Vaughan with Tadd Dameron and his Orchestra Lyrics

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You say you're falling in love with me
That's why I sit here and cry
For that is something that never can be
And here's the reason why

For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
You say that you never would doubt me

Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me

For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
You say that you never would doubt me
Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off with out me
'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square

It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me

Overall Meaning

In the song "You're Not the Kind" by Sarah Vaughan, featuring Clifford Brown, the lyrics express the singer's realization that the person confessing their love for her is not compatible with her. The lyrics convey a sense of sadness as the singer sits and cries, acknowledging that the love they desire can never be. The reason behind this impossibility lies in their contrasting natures.

The singer explains that the person is "not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me," comparing their differences to a song and a dance versus a symphony. This metaphor symbolizes the contrasting intensity and complexity of their personalities. The singer suggests that the person would be better off without her, as she admits to being the kind of person who is not always fair in relationships, while the person is characterized as always being square or honest.

Despite the difficulty of letting the person go, the singer acknowledges that they are not meant for each other. The lyrics reveal a bittersweet realization that their love cannot thrive due to their inherently mismatched natures.

Line by Line Meaning

You say you're falling in love with me
You claim to be experiencing romantic feelings towards me

That's why I sit here and cry
That's the reason why I am currently seated and shedding tears

For that is something that never can be
Because that is an impossibility

And here's the reason why
And I will now provide the explanation for this

For you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
Because you do not possess the qualities suitable for someone like me

'Cause I'm just a song and a dance, you're a symphony
Because I am merely a simple performance, while you are a grand masterpiece

You say that you never would doubt me
You assert that you would never question or distrust me

Well, I'm tellin' you, you'd be much better off without me
However, I must inform you that you would experience greater happiness and satisfaction if I were not present

'Cause I'm just the kind of a girl (boy) who would never play fair
Because I possess the nature of someone who would never adhere to the principles of fairness

And you're just the kind of a boy (girl) who would always be square
While you, on the other hand, consistently demonstrate a strict adherence to rules and conventions

It's so hard to let you go but it's only because I know
It is incredibly challenging to release my attachment to you, but it is solely due to my understanding

That you're not the kind of a boy (girl) for a girl (boy) like me
That you do not possess the qualities suitable for someone like me