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.
Lullaby
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Folded silence unaware
That it could break
Hearts in its wake
That swim to hold their hopeless fate
Sleep tonight I want you there
Arms around my naked stare
Of deep blue dreams
And if I swim
Will they rescue me
But we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
Sleep tonight I want you there
Arms around my naked stare
Into the sea
Of deep blue dreams
And if I swim
Will they rescue me
But we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe for now
I guess we're safe
The song "Lullaby" by Leo Kottke is a soothing ballad that talks about the need for someone to feel safe and protected during the night. The opening lines "Sleep tonight I want you there, folded silence unaware" set the tone of the relationship between the singer and the person they are speaking to. The singer longs for the presence of this person, and believes that their presence will bring a sense of calmness and peace. They want to be held tight and comforted in the arms of the person they love, and the line "arms around my naked stare" is a visual representation of the vulnerability and sincerity that is present in the singer's words.
The metaphor of the sea and its depths represents the unknown and uncertain future that the singer is facing. They hope that their loved one will be with them as they navigate through the depths of their thoughts and emotions. The line "And if I swim, will they rescue me?" is a plea for reassurance that they will not be left alone in their struggles. The repetition of the lines "But we're safe for now, I guess we're safe for now" serves as a reminder to the singer that the current moment is all that matters, and that they can find comfort in the present moment with their partner.
Overall, "Lullaby" is a touching and emotional song that captures the vulnerability and need for intimacy that is present in many relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleep tonight I want you there
I wish you were here with me so that we may sleep together tonight
Folded silence unaware
Peaceful calmness with no noise or movement
That it could break
The calmness could be interrupted
Hearts in its wake
Causing emotional distress
That swim to hold their hopeless fate
Struggling to keep their despair at bay
Arms around my naked stare
Embracing my vulnerable and open self
Into the sea
Sinking into a deep place
Of deep blue dreams
An ocean of tranquil and peaceful thoughts
And if I swim
If I dive deep into these thoughts
Will they rescue me?
Can they provide comfort and safety?
But we're safe for now
At this moment, we are protected and secure
I guess we're safe for now
I think we are safe, for now
I guess we're safe for now
I suppose we are safe right now
I guess we're safe for now
It seems we are currently free from harm
I guess we're safe
We are out of immediate danger
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
HerbDangerous
This song was my first introduction to Leo Kottke. That was way back in 1973. It's been that long since I heard this song!
8armwrap
Leo is a phenomenal phenomenon....what an original orange -- just love his sense of the uncommon -- can't say words. It's just a nice juxtaposition of unmatching things that rings!
Nick Hentschel
The liner notes suggest that this song is loaded with symbolism, but I'm damned if *I* can figure it out.
4th Eye Media
I realize you posted years ago, but your question gave me an excuse to listen to the song -- probably my favorite Kottke -- another dozen times or so. In my opinion, there's no opaque symbolism. It's the standard imagery on Death and Afterlife from Christianity. Could the lyrics refer to Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby? Eh, probably not. We'll have to ask Leo. There is plenty of evocative metaphor here, painting an historical fiction of sorts. The central theme is the tension between the certainty of death -- that we all share -- and the hope for a beautiful eternity afterwards. But I find the melancholic hopefulness of the words combines in such a way with the sublime playing, it is a profound musing on death and dying. For me, the song goes straight to the heart, and mists the eyes. The track is probably not so accessible for many, but I think it's a perennial classic.
Sam Rexford
he is so legit
Donald Donahue
Heavens ! It's been a while (1971 ?). Thank you, UKMikey. You're welcome, Donnie.