But Not For Me

by George Gershwin
Loading song
Fetching song
1
Play in Kid Mode

Same song, other levels

Pick the arrangement that fits you
Sing this song instead — backing track for “But Not For Me
Backing track + lyrics — toggle the vocal, change the key, practice singing over piano.

Other arrangements of But Not For Me

Pick a learning view or switch to the backing-track version.

Lyrics

They’re writ ing (Cmaj7)songs of (F)love, but (G)not for (Cmaj7)me.

A (G7)luck y (D9)star’s a (F)bove, but (G)not for (C7)me.

With love to (F)lead the (Dm7)way I’ve found more (Em)clouds of (Am)gray than an y (Dm7)Rus sian play could guar an (Ddim)tee.

I was a (Cmaj7)fool to (F)fall and (G)get that (Cmaj7)way.

Heigh (G7)ho!

a (D9)las!

and (F)al so, (G)lack a (C7)day!

Al though I (F)can’t dis (Dm7)miss the mem ’ry (C)of his (E7)kiss, I (F)guess he’s (D9)not

(G7)for

(C)me.

He’s (G7)knock ing (Cmaj7)on a (F)door, but (G)not for (Cmaj7)me.

He’ll (G7)plan a (D9)two by (F)four, but (G)not for (C7)me.

I know that (F)love’s a (Dm7)game; I’m puz zled, (Em)just the (Am)same.

Was I the (Dm7)moth er flame?

I’m all at (Ddim)sea.

It all be (Cmaj7)gan to (F)sell, but (G)what an (Cmaj7)end!

This (G7)is the (D9)time a (F)fel ler (G)needs a (C7)friend.

When ev ’ry (F)hap py (Dm7)plot ends with the (C)mar riage (E7)knot, and (F)there’s no (D9)knot

(G7)for

(C)me.

He’s (G7)knock ing (Cmaj13)me.

But Not For Me — Simple Sheet Music

12 people have learned this song

"But Not For Me" in simplified sheet music format — the bridge between beginner modes and real sheet music. Color-coded notes with lyrics scrolling horizontally. Perfect for learning to read music. Key of C, 110 BPM.

Tip: Break this song into sections and master each one separately. The speed control lets you drill difficult passages at any tempo.

About “But Not For Me

How does Simplified Piano Arrangement differ from full sheet music for "But Not For Me"?
Simplified Arrangement keeps the melody and chords on a simplified staff with lyrics, color-coded for easy recognition. It's a learner-bridge between Beginner mode and the classic engraved Sheet Music — same song, less visual density.
What key is "But Not For Me" by George Gershwin played in?
But Not For Me is arranged in the key of C on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "But Not For Me"?
The arrangement plays at 110 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "But Not For Me" easy to play on piano?
This is an advanced arrangement. We recommend breaking it into sections and using the speed control to drill harder passages.
Can I download sheet music for "But Not For Me"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "But Not For Me"?
"But Not For Me" was originally performed by George Gershwin. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by George Gershwin can I play here?
Try "LITTLE JAZZ BIRD", "SWANEE", "WHO CARES?". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Is Simple Sheet good for learning to read sheet music?
Yes! Simple Sheet bridges the gap between beginner color-coded modes and traditional notation. Notes are displayed on a simplified staff with colors, lyrics, and chords — helping you build music reading skills gradually while still enjoying "But Not For Me". Key of C, 110 BPM.
What's the difference between Simple Sheet and Lead Sheet?
Simple Sheet shows a more streamlined, horizontally scrolling view with color-coded notes on a staff and lyrics below — like a simplified version of real sheet music. Lead Sheet shows melody with chord symbols above and full lyrics. Simple Sheet is the next step toward reading traditional notation.

More songs you might like