Interpretation
"But Not for Me" is a song lyric by
Frank Sinatra that describes the feelings and experiences of a person who feels unhappy in love. The lyrics talk about someone who observes how other people are happily in love, but can't find love for themselves.
In the first section of the song, Sinatra says that songs are written about love, but not for him. He feels abandoned by luck, while other people have a happy relationship. He describes finding more "clouds of gray" than in a Russian play.
In the second section, Sinatra confesses that he was a fool to fall in love and feel this way. He can't deny the memory of her kiss, but he recognizes that she's not meant for him.
In the third section, Sinatra addresses "Old man sunshine," a metaphorical personification of the sun, who tells him that dreams can come true. Sinatra, however, doesn't believe in it and thinks it would only lead to a commotion. He also tells Beatrice Fairfax not to tell him that she'll care for him. He's certain it's the final curtain, the end of his search for love.
The fourth section of the song shows Sinatra's rejection of optimistic people who claim that fate has a partner in store for him. He doesn't want to hear cheerful Polly Annas who claim that fate will bring him a suitable person. He considers it nonsense.
The last section of the song describes the beginning of a relationship that has no future. Sinatra wishes for a friend to support him in this time. He sees how every happy story ends with a wedding, but for him, there is no such story.
Overall, the song lyric expresses the loneliness and frustration that come with unrequited love. Sinatra feels excluded from love and longs for a partner, but doesn't find one. The words of the lyrics convey the emotions and feeling of hopelessness, which Sinatra amplifies with his voice."