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.
Hear the wind howl
Leo Kottke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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Some cloudy day the sun won't shine my blues away
And all I've lived for seems far away
Some cloudy day
Hear the wind howl
Hear the wind
You can't go back, it's not the same
Things have changed
While I counted hours and time remained
And time remained
Watch the sun rise
Watch the sun rise
Some cloudy day the sun won't shine my blues away
And all I've lived for seems far away
Some cloudy day
Hear the wind howl
Hear the wind howl
The lyrics to Leo Kottke's song "Hear the Wind Howl" convey a feeling of melancholy and regret. The first two lines set the tone for the rest of the song, with the singer lamenting that even on a cloudy day, the sun won't shine and dispel his blues. The following line, "And all I've lived for seems far away," suggests that the singer has lost sight of his purpose in life, perhaps due to external circumstances or his own choices.
The repetition of the phrase "Some cloudy day" reinforces the idea that the singer's troubles are ongoing and persistent. The next lines give voice to a sense of resignation, with the singer acknowledging that he can't go back to the way things were and that time has passed him by. The phrase "While I counted hours and time remained" hints at a missed opportunity or wasted time.
The final stanza returns to the opening theme of the sun's failure to shine away the singer's blues, followed by the lyric "Hear the wind howl." The wind is a common symbol in literature and music, often representing change or transience. In this context, it may signify the passage of time or the singer's own restlessness.
Overall, "Hear the Wind Howl" is a poignant reflection on the way life can sometimes drift away from us, leaving us feeling adrift and uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
Some cloudy day the sun won't shine my blues away
During a day filled with clouds, the sun will not brighten my melancholy mood.
And all I've lived for seems far away
Everything that I have lived for appears out of reach and unattainable.
Some cloudy day
Repeating the idea that a day filled with clouds will come.
Hear the wind howl
Listen to the mournful sound of the wind
Hear the wind
Repeating to emphasize the need to listen to the sound of the wind.
You can't go back, it's not the same
Once you leave something behind, you cannot return to it because it will have changed too much.
Things have changed
The situation has been altered, and it is different from how it was before.
While I counted hours and time remained
As I measured the passing of time, it felt like it continued to stretch on.
And time remained
The concept of time continued to exist and move forward, regardless of my feelings about it.
Watch the sun rise
Take time to observe the sun as it ascends into the sky.
Some cloudy day the sun won't shine my blues away
Again, reiterating the idea that a day with clouds will come and that even the sun can't lift my sadness.
And all I've lived for seems far away
Once again, highlighting that everything I have worked towards feels like it is out of reach.
Some cloudy day
Repeating again that a day filled with clouds will eventually come.
Hear the wind howl
Ends the song as its beginning, encouraging the listener to pay attention to the sound of the wind and its mournful mood.
Contributed by Jeremiah B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
zyber pilotzki
I think this is the best Kottke track recorded ever...love this so much!!! It makes me wanne cry and laugh at the same time. The power of music...Thank you Leo!!
Steve
Amazing. No other track of his has this power IMHO
Jeffry Phillips Burns
This was always my favorite too.
John Entwistle
same
Steve
Used to have it on LP
Played it to death
Saw him on Austin City Limits one night- who IS this guy??
Bored with guitar, changed my freakin life.
Still gives me chills
Thx Leo, thx thx thx.
A true American originalist
Amen.
crorivpro
This tune is just sublime .
Steve
100% sublime.
Phil Turner
I am also quite fond of this particular track.its impressionist but within reach.haunting to me..yes like many I grew up in the Midwest and can relate to the overall vibe of this.love it.
Nan D
So beautiful ..... I wish it would go on forever.
j'aime mes chiens
It sort-of does.