Meaning of "Not for Me" by Slash

The meaning behind the lyrics of "Not for Me" revolves around a sense of disillusionment and the search for personal authenticity. The narrator describes a life filled with excesses and vices, represented by the "dirty sunrise," "broken bottles," and guilt. They express a feeling of being trapped or lost within this lifestyle, as they don't remember their actions or where they've been. The repetitiveness of "This is not for me, no" emphasizes their growing realization that this life no longer aligns with their true desires and values. The devil, a symbol of temptation, mocks the narrator, assuring them they will eventually return to their old ways. However, the narrator rejects this notion, rejecting the allure of the "high life" in the hills, cocaine, and whiskey. They assert their independence and assert that they don't need this lifestyle anymore.

The lyrics also express a longing for something more genuine and fulfilling. The narrator finds solace in standing before an audience with a song, which brings them a sense of completeness. They continue to strive and run towards a different life, determined to break free from the life they've previously lived. The references to a "place I don't belong" and leaving it all behind highlight their yearning to find their true place and purpose. The repetition of "This life is not for me, no" emphasizes their resolve to move on and seek a different path. Ultimately, the narrator expresses a firm rejection of the current state of their life and a willingness to leave it all behind.

Overall, "Not for Me" reflects the internal struggle of a person who realizes that their current lifestyle no longer brings them fulfillment or happiness. The lyrics convey a strong desire for personal authenticity, a rejection of temptation, and a search for a more meaningful existence.