BUT NOT FOR ME Rich in song, the musical ‘Girl Crazy’ of 1930 (and three later films) follows the story of spoiled rich boy Danny Churchill, who has been sent to fictional Custerville, Arizona, to manage his family’s ranch. Danny turns the place into a dude ranch, importing showgirls from Broadway. At the end of the day it turns out that he falls in love with the local postmistress, Molly Gray. LYRICS by Ira Gershwin (1896–1983*) [Verse 1] 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 she will care I’m certain, it’s the final curtain I never want to hear from any cheerful Polly-Anna Who tells you ‘Fate supplies a mate’ It’s all bananas [Chorus 1 sung twice] 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 gray Than any Russian play Could guarantee I was a fool to fall And get that way Heigh-ho, alas, And also lack-a-day Although I can’t dismiss The memory of his/her kiss I guess he’s/she’s not for me [Verse 2 same as Verse 1] [Chorus 2] It all began so well But what an end This is the time A fellow needs a friend When every happy plot Ends with a marriage knot And there’s no knot I see He’s/she’s not for me I was a fool to fall And get that way Heigh-ho, alas, And also lack-a-day Although I can’t dismiss The memory of his/her kiss I guess he’s/she’s not for me * The lyrics entered public domain in USA on January 1, 2026 due to copyright expiry of printed matter. It is also public domain where rule of the shorter term is applied, such as in Norway, UK and the EU. ➤ Back to ‘But not for me’ ➤ Back to main page