Gershwin Nailed Me

The Thinker at Five


But Not for Me
-- George & Ira Gershwin
from Girl Crazy (1930)

Old Man Sunshine -- listen, you!
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 cheer-
Ful Pollyannas,
Who tell you Fate
Supplies a Mate --
It's all bananas!

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 Grey
Than any Russian play
Could guarantee.

I was a fool to fall
And Get That Way;
Heigh ho! Alas! and al-
So, Lackaday!

Although I can't dismiss
The mem'ry of his kiss --
I guess he's not for me.

He's knocking on a door,
But not for me;
He'll plan a two by four,
But not for me.

I know that Love's a Game;
Im puzzled, just the same --
Was I the Moth or Flame...?
I'm all at sea.

It all began so well,
But what an end!
This is the time a Fell --
Er Needs a Friend;

When ev'ry happy plot
Ends with the marriage knot --
and there's no knot for me.