Focusing primarily on instrumental composition and playing, Kottke also sings sporadically, in an unconventional yet expressive baritone described by himself as sounding like "geese farts on a muggy day".[1] In concert, Kottke intersperses humorous and often bizarre monologues with vocal and instrumental selections from throughout his career, played solo on 6- and 12-string guitars.
Eight Miles High
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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You'll find that it's stranger than known
Signs in the street that say where you're going
Are somewhere, just being their own
Nowhere is there hope to be found
Among those afraid of losing their ground
Rain-gray town known for its sounds
In places, small faces unbound
Down the square they are huddled in storms
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
Some living, some standing alone
Leo Kottke's song Eight Miles High is a cover of The Byrds' hit song. The song delves into the surrealism, disorientation, and chaos of life. The lyrics are suggestive of a journey, which perhaps references to the state of mind, one that is transcendent and profound. The journey takes place in a space of eight miles high, which is known to be higher than the usual human limit of 6.7 miles, thus indicating the transcendence of human limitation. When you touch down, the destination turns out to be stranger than what you knew before. The lyrics suggest that the journey of life leads to circumstances which are unknown and unpredictable, something that we may not have experienced before.
The signs in the street signify direction and guides, but the lyrics suggest that these signs only exist as an objective awareness, and they don't offer any guidance. The lyrics state that sometimes, they exist just for their own sake. The place where one lands is devoid of hope and is ruled by fear. It is a gray town known for the sounds that it makes. The place is filled with people who are lost, vulnerable, and confused. It is a place where there's chaos and less hope for growth and development.
The storm, the shapeless forms, the black limousines, and the small faces symbolize the challenges, uncertainties, and insignificance that we face in life. The laughing and the standing alone; these are reminders of the transient nature of life. They are hints of the randomness that we must face as we journey through life. Overall, the lyrics suggest that life is a journey through an infinite expanse, a journey which is not easy, yet, the uniqueness of these experiences is what makes life fascinating.
Line by Line Meaning
Eight miles high and when you touch down
The journey is long and when you finally reach your destination, you realize that it feels more unfamiliar than what you knew it to be.
You'll find that it's stranger than known
Now that you have arrived, you'll see that things are not as they seemed. There is a sense of unfamiliarity lurking in every corner.
Signs in the street that say where you're going
The physical markers that guide you may seem clear but they cannot reveal what lies beyond them - the true nature of the destination.
Are somewhere, just being their own
The signs themselves are just signifiers and do not necessarily have any inherent meaning beyond their mere existence.
Nowhere is there hope to be found
It feels like there is no hope to be found anywhere, especially amongst those who feel like they are about to lose everything they have.
Among those afraid of losing their ground
The people who are scared of losing what they have worked hard for are constantly living in fear and anxiety.
Rain-gray town known for its sounds
The town is perpetually enveloped in a drab, rainy atmosphere, but it is also known for its distinct soundscapes that make it somewhat unique.
In places, small faces unbound
Amidst this gloom, there are small pockets where people are not bound by conventions and expectations, free to be themselves.
Down the square they are huddled in storms
In certain areas where people congregate, they huddle in anticipation of the metaphorical storm that could hit them any time.
Some laughing, some just shapeless forms
Some people have the ability to laugh and enjoy life even in the toughest of times, while others are too beaten down to even have a shape or form to their existence.
Sidewalk scenes and black limousines
The streets are full of people from different walks of life - some walking on the sidewalk, some travelling in fancy cars like black limousines.
Some living, some standing alone
There are people with company and companionship, and there are those who are forced to stand alone due to various reasons.
Contributed by Levi K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Smith
It's a brilliant rendition of a brilliant composition. The Byrds took acoustic folk recordings and made them rock. Here, Kottke turned the tables on them.
Dan Razzell
Well said.
Aaron White
David Smith Well said.
David Coffey
The best cover of Eight Miles High I've ever heard. There's an old story about Leo recording his first album in 3 hours total, including breaks. Anyone who knows about recording will tell you that's some kind of miracle.
sun Tao
Amazing recording-gliding on a 12 string
Jubal918
@David Coffey Dam !!!!... It took me three weeks for only 5 songs !!!!!!
Lubna Qureshi
This beautiful version of Eight Miles High gives the listener a better appreciation of the lyrics.
plantagenant
I love the original but the first time I heard this it literally stopped me in my tracks...for the vocal quality as much as the guitar playing. Wonderful.
Garth Henkins
Kottke is mind boggling talented.
A M
Saw him in Rochester NY in the 70s. Sounded like 5 guitarists plus percussion. I kept wondering where all the music was coming from! It was all leo! Bought all the albums I could get my hands on, been a fan ever since. Cheers leo!