“But Not For Me” On The Silver Screen
Did you know that “But Not for Me” has been used in many popular films? This song was originally written by George and Ira Gershwin for the 1930 musical Girl Crazy and sung by Ginger Rogers. Judy Garland later sang “But Not for Me” in the 1943 film adaptation of Girl Crazy. Ella Fitzgerald also recorded a cover of this song for her album Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George and Ira Songbook. Her rendition took home the 1960 Grammy Award for Best Female Vocal Performance.
“But Not for Me” has also been featured in many popular movies, including Manhattan (1979), When Harry Met Sally (1989), and Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994). The next time you turn on one of these films, keep an ear out for “But Not for Me.” To whet your appetite, take a listen to Harry Connick Jr.’s version of “But Not for Me” from the soundtrack to When Harry Met Sally!
I am a pianist/vocalist and have always wondered about the meaning of “She’ll plan a two by four” in the song But Not For Me. Any ideas?
Thanks- DP
Hello David, and thank you for your question! Fortunately, we can answer you with Ira Gershwin’s own words, from a footnote on “But Not for Me” in his book Lyrics on Several Occasions: “The ‘two by four’ wasn’t the hyphenated two-by-four piece of lumber. Rather, as sung here and elsewhere, it meant a dream house for two (‘and baby makes three’).”
Source: Lyrics on Several Occasions: a Selection Of Stage & Screen Lyrics Written For Sundry Situations, and Now Arranged in Arbitrary Categories: To Which Have Been Added Many Informative Annotations & Disquisitions on Their Why & Wherefore, Their Whom-for, Their How, and Matters AssociativeIra Gershwin-Robert Kimball – Limelight – 1985
Hi Rachel- Thanks for clearing up the meaning of 2 by 4. I knew it wasn’t the piece of wood- Some folks had suggested that it meant a garden plot, but your explanation makes the most sense.
My daughter graduated from U of M a few years back. Good luck with your studies!
David Prouty
Hi Sarah- I think I may have sent this note of thanks to Rachel- Thank you for clearing up the 2×4 question. David Prouty
This long time Gershwin brothers fan enjoyed reading these posts about a lovely song.