"But Not For Me" by Billie Holiday is a song about unrequited love. The lyrics detail the narrator's feelings of isolation and disappointment as they watch others find romantic happiness while they remain alone. The song opens with the lines "They're writing songs of love, but not for me. A lucky star's above, but not for me," setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The narrator reflects on their failed attempts at finding love, acknowledging that they've encountered "more clouds of grey than any Russian play could guarantee." They express regret at having fallen in love, noting that the memory of their lover's kiss still lingers, even though they know the relationship is doomed. Throughout the song, the narrator contrasts their own lack of success in love with that of others. They remark on their loved ones' good fortune, describing a man who is "knocking on a door, but not for me" and noting that "every happy plot ends with the marriage knot, and there's no knot for me." Ultimately, "But Not For Me" is a melancholy reflection on the pain of unrequited love. The song captures the bittersweet feeling of watching others find happiness while being left behind, and serves as a powerful reminder of the universal nature of heartbreak.
