During the 70s, while still in his teens, Mitchell began playing with local bands in the city of Sarnia. After evolving through a few name changes with essentially the same band, Mitchell and a group titled "Zooom" headed off for Toronto, Ontario. The band eventually dissolved, with Mitchell travelling over to the Greek islands.
Upon his return to Canada, he formed the band Max Webster, which managed to finally break through commercially. Besides playing the group, Mitchell and wrote most of the band's songs with fellow Sarnia native and lyricist, Pye Dubois (Paul Woods). Max Webster toured extensively and built a string of hits. Mitchell's solo career began after his departure from Max Webster, with session work and a succession of solo albums.
In early 1985, the song "Go For Soda" from the Akimbo Alogo album became an international hit and perhaps remains his best known song outside of his native Canada.
In 2004, Mitchell entered the radio broadcasting industry, becoming afternoon drive time host on Toronto classic rock radio station Q107.
As of 2005, Mitchell, still does the afternoon drive time on Q107, and is working on a new double CD set for a Spring 2006 release.
In December of 2005, Mitchell had proposed to the Q107 listeners that they write a Christmas song together. The resulting song is entitled "A Christmas Smile". At the end of the song, Mitchell advises his fans not to drink and drive, but to "go for a soda" instead.
Skinny Buddah
Kim Mitchell Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A leaking alkaline
Licked my owner
Loved her but she wasn't mine
Saved the world but you wont go far cause you got no shoes or gasoline in your car
Do I want it I said it's not mine
Like livin in China town
I'm walking but falling down
Do you feel like a skinny Buddha
Big man with big dog frown
Way up but he can't come down
Feel square in a world that's round
I feel like a skinny Buddha
There's my gravy
There's my gravy train gone
Slicked back comber
Jet black comb
I dropped it in her blouse
All alone in a crowded room but there's always someone looking at your basketballs
Do I want it I said it's not mine
I'm a commissar
Got on my horse
Gonna ride a bus
Gonna bust your chops if you look at me on more time
Do I want it
I said it's not mine
Vagabonds and bubblegum powder
The lyrics of Kim Mitchell's "Skinny Buddha" paint a picture of a person who is struggling with feelings of loneliness, obsession, and inadequacy. The opening lines, "I'm a loner, a leaking alkaline," suggest a sense of isolation and emptiness, as if the singer is slowly losing their vitality. The next line, "Licked my owner, loved her but she wasn't mine," hints at a failed or unrequited love. The singer may have had a relationship with someone who was not fully committed to them, or they may have harbored feelings for someone who was unattainable or already taken.
The following lines, "Saved the world but you won't go far 'cause you got no shoes or gasoline in your car," suggest a sense of frustration or disillusionment. The singer may feel like they have accomplished something significant, but they are unable to move forward or fully enjoy their success because of practical limitations or obstacles. The line, "Do I want it I said it's not mine," may be a reference to this frustration. The singer may feel like they are expected to want certain things or pursue certain goals, but they don't necessarily feel driven or fulfilled by these ambitions.
The chorus, "Do you feel like a skinny Buddha? Big man with big dog frown, way up but he can't come down. Feel square in a world that's round, I feel like a skinny Buddha," further emphasizes feelings of inadequacy and frustration. The image of a "skinny Buddha" suggests a sense of spiritual emptiness or lack of enlightenment, as if the singer has failed to attain wisdom or inner peace despite their best efforts. The "big man with big dog frown" may be a reference to someone who is outwardly successful or powerful, but who is inwardly unhappy or unfulfilled.
Overall, "Skinny Buddha" is a song about the struggle to find meaning, happiness, and purpose in life. It speaks to the universal human desire for connection, love, and fulfillment, and the challenges that we all face on this journey.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a loner
I prefer being alone
A leaking alkaline
I am emotionally drained
Licked my owner
I followed someone who was not good for me
Loved her but she wasn't mine
I had feelings for someone who did not reciprocate
Saved the world but you wont go far cause you got no shoes or gasoline in your car
You need basic essentials to go places, regardless of how much progress you make
Do I want it I said it's not mine
I am questioning if I truly desire something
Like livin in China town
I feel like an outsider in a crowded place
I'm walking but falling down
I am still trying to move forward despite difficulties
Obsessed and way to needy
I have an unhealthy attachment to something or someone
Do you feel like a skinny Buddha
Do you feel enlightened despite being physically smaller or less impressive than others
Big man with big dog frown
Someone who appears intimidating on the surface
Way up but he can't come down
Someone who is stuck in their ways or situation
Feel square in a world that's round
I don't fit in with societal norms and expectations
I feel like a skinny Buddha
I feel enlightened despite being physically smaller or less impressive than others
There's my gravy train gone
My source of income or support has disappeared
Slicked back comber
Slicked back hairstyle
Jet black comb
A comb that is very dark in color
I dropped it in her blouse
A suggestive or sexual reference
All alone in a crowded room but there's always someone looking at your basketballs
Feeling exposed or vulnerable despite trying to hide it
Do I want it I said it's not mine
I am questioning if I truly desire something
I'm a commissar
I have a position of authority
Got on my horse
I am ready to face a challenge
Gonna ride a bus
I am going to take action to achieve my goals
Gonna bust your chops if you look at me on more time
I will take action if someone disrespects me
Do I want it
I am questioning if I truly desire something
I said it's not mine
I know that something does not belong to me
Vagabonds and bubblegum powder
A nonsensical phrase with no clear meaning
Contributed by Wyatt V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Gonzo21121
great tune by Kimbo Alogo....one of Canada's finest rockers
Jim Wynne
Thanks for sharing this! This makes me think about my friends Steve and Dennis! May they both rest peacefully! I miss you guys!
wade jones
Kim is so gifted . killer Lp
Harris Veziris
Wicked solo!
Trev Dodd
Awesome cd....how about that :)
RebMilitia
Way better than he gives himself credit for
S P A R R O W S
what’s this? wow
Frank Curran
Come on, no comments on a Canadian icon, get yer shit together...WTF!
Kelly Mark
+Frank Curran I totally agree you have to love Kim Mitchell :)
Frank Curran
+Frank Curran yeah, you're right Dude, what was I thinking........duh!!