But

The first thought that popped into my head when I saw this week’s topic ‘But’ was ‘Not for Me’. I’ve always had a soft spot for the songs from what is termed The Great American Songbook, which is not a physical book but songs written by professional songwriters for Broadway shows and Hollywood musicals between roughly 1920 to 1950.

'But Not for Me' was written by George and Ira Gershwin and was one of several hit songs to come from the score of the 1930 original Broadway musical Girl Crazy. The show featured Ginger Rogers in her first leading role, but the limelight was apparently stolen by Ethel Merman in her Broadway debut. Girl Crazy is notable for having produced the most hit songs by the Gershwins in one Broadway show. These include:

Embraceable You
I Got Rhythm
Bidin’ my Time

Also of note is the opening night pit orchestra which included Benny Goodman, Gene Krupa, Glenn Miller and Jimmy Dorsey. It was conducted on the opening night by George Gershwin himself.

George Gershwin conducting 

I’ll not go over the story of the musical as it’s barmy but it basically follows a spoiled rich boy Danny Churchill sent to manage his family's ranch where he turns the place into a dude ranch, importing showgirls from Broadway and hiring Kate Forthergill (Merman's role) as entertainer. It’s a success and Danny falls in love with the local postmistress, Molly Gray (Rogers' role). Three subsequent film adaptations adjusted the plot. The most notable, Girl Crazy (1943 film), starred Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland.

Note: I Have No Idea What The Following Means.

This is from a website by Jed Scott Music where he analyses music. This is his interpretation of ‘But Not for Me’

Form: ABAB’

Standard Key: E-flat Major.

It’s a gem of a song, and a welcome change from the AABA song form – in this case still 32-bars, but ABAB’. The second B section has a brilliant compositional moment where the melody extends – in the first B it leaps upwards to the tonic, but in the second it leaps a step higher, before climbing back down to the low tonic over the next four measures. Unexpected, beautiful, and typical of Gershwin’s clever compositional approach.

His definitive version is by Chet Baker (1956, from Chet Baker Sings)

Chet Baker sings

Also recommended are:

Ella Fitzgerald (1950, from Ella Sings Gershwin) this captures Ella at her least virtuosic and most intimate.
Billie Holiday (1958, from All Or Nothing At All) swinging version with great line-up of musicians.
Ella Fitzgerald (1959, from Ella Sings The Gershwin Songbook) This later version won the 1960 Grammy for Best Vocal Performance.
Sarah Vaughan (1958, from Lullaby of Birdland) here with beautiful orchestral accompaniment including a lovely section with harp and flutes.
Elaine Stritch (2002, from Elaine Stritch at Liberty) Stritch’s voice would never be described as beautiful, but I’m not sure anyone has gotten more of the drama out of this song.

And here is Chet Baker singing: But Not for Me

But Not for Me
(Music by George Gershwin, lyrics by Ira Gershwin)

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 found more clouds of grey,
Than any Russian play could guarantee.

I was a fool to fall, and get that way,
Hi ho! Alas! And also Lack a day!
Although I can't dismiss,
The memory of her kiss,
I guess she's not for me.

It all began so well, but what an end,
This is the time a fella needs a friend,
When every happy plot,
Ends in a marriage knot,
And there's no knot for me.

Thanks for reading, Terry Q.