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.
Great Big Boy
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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I made a lot of friends and hung out at the bank
I bought a silly house on some very silly land
If anybody asked, I said this is who I am
Happy, contented, stuffed with dollar bills
I stood like a taxidermist's elk upon a hill
I hang my head and mumble my face between my knees
I find a little cave with a sign that says for rent
It looked a lot better than my place ever did
I found a way to live there so I am no-one's fool
When I look up I grin, when I look down I drool
I was 29 and it absolutely stank
I made a lot of friends and hung out at the bank
I bought a silly house on some very silly land
If anybody asked, I said this is who I am
Happy, contented, stuffed with dollar bills
I stood like a taxidermist's elk upon a hill
The lyrics to Leo Kottke's song Great Big Boy offer a reflective look on the experience of growing up and attempting to establish one's identity. The singer describes their life at 29, marked by the acquisition of wealth and material possessions. They have purchased a "silly" house and have surrounded themselves with "dollar bills." However, despite the external trappings of success, the singer feels small and insecure in the face of the world around them. They find solace in a small cave they rent, which appears more attractive to them than their ostentatious home. In this obscure dwelling, the singer finds a sense of independence and self-sufficiency. They express a newfound confidence in themselves, enjoying moments of both calm and excitement.
The lyrics convey a potent message about the true nature of self-discovery. No amount of money, possessions or ostentation can replace the need to find one's true identity. The singer's journey is one that many of us can relate to. Trying to establish an image to fit in and finding out that the image is not a true reflection of who we are. The character in the song describes wanting to belong and settling for a life that was not genuinely theirs. The theme of the song appears to be, the journey to self-discovery is not always comfortable, but we must be true to ourselves to find true happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
I was 29 and it absolutely stank
At the age of 29, I was in a terrible situation
I made a lot of friends and hung out at the bank
I spent a lot of time making friends and hanging out at the bank
I bought a silly house on some very silly land
I purchased a foolish house on a silly piece of land
If anybody asked, I said this is who I am
If anyone questioned me, I would assert my identity
Happy, contented, stuffed with dollar bills
I was filled with joy, pleased with myself, and had plenty of money
I stood like a taxidermist's elk upon a hill
I stood proudly, like a stuffed animal on display
Suddenly I'm stupid and the world's too big for me
All of a sudden, I feel foolish and the world seems too large for me to handle
I hang my head and mumble with my face between my knees
I am quiet, ashamed, and hide my face with my head down and my knees up
I find a little cave with a sign that says for rent
I discover a small cave that is available for rent
It looked a lot better than my place ever did
The cave appeared better than my previous living situation
I found a way to live there so I am no-one's fool
I figured out a way to live in the cave without being taken advantage of
When I look up I grin, when I look down I drool
I am happy when I look up and daydream. When I look down, I am drooling
I was 29 and it absolutely stank
At 29, things were still horrible for me
I made a lot of friends and hung out at the bank
I continued to make friends and spend time at the bank
I bought a silly house on some very silly land
I still owned the foolish house on the silly land
If anybody asked, I said this is who I am
Despite my situation, I persisted with my self-identity
Happy, contented, stuffed with dollar bills
My contentment and wealth had not diminished
I stood like a taxidermist's elk upon a hill
I still present myself with pride, like a stuffed animal on display
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Neer
My favorite song.
Bradley Cook
when things seem tough, listen to this or any leo tune.
Marisa Dower Morgan
This should be the flip side to "if dogs run free " by Bob Dylan
Marcus Harrison
great flute