But Not For Me

by George Gershwin
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Lyrics

They’re writ ing (F)songs of love, but not for (Fmaj7)me.

A luck y (G7)star’s a bove, but not for (F7)me.

With love to (Bbdim)lead (Bb)the (Gm7)way I’ve found more (Fdim)clouds (F)of (Dm)gray than an y (Gm7)Rus sian play could guar an (Db)tee.

I was a (F)fool (Dm7)to fall and get that (Fmaj7)way;

heigh ho!

A (G7)las!

And al so, luck y (F7)day!

Al though I (Bbdim)can’t (Bb)dis (Gm7)miss the mem ’ry (Fdim)of (F)his (Am7)kiss, I (D7)guess he’s (Gm7)not

(C7)for

(F)me.

(CN.C.)He’s knock ing (F)on a door, but not for (Fmaj7)me.

He’ll plan a (G7)two by four, but not for (F7)me.

I know that (Bbdim)love’s (Bb)a (Gm7)game; I’m puz zled, (Fdim)just (F)the (Dm)same.

Was I the (Gm7)moth or flame?

I’m all at (Db)sea.

It all be (F)gan (Dm7)so well, but what an (Fmaj7)end!

This is the (G7)time a fel ler needs a (F7)friend.

When ev ’ry (Bbdim)hap (Bb)py (Gm7)plot ends with a (Fdim)mar (F)riage (Am7)knot, and (D7)there’s no (Gm7)knot

(C7)for

(F)me.

(CN.C.)He’s knock ing (F)me.

But Not For Me — Simple Sheet Music

46 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 Bb, 136 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full 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 Bb 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 136 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "But Not For Me" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
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 Bb, 136 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.

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