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.
Rings
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Baby, what ya doin', I've been wonderin' where you been
Now and then I think about you and me
No use fightin' 'bout things we can't recall
It don't matter now at all
Just come on home, baby, we'll laugh and sing
We'll make love, let the telephone ring
Ring, ring, doorbell ring, baby, come on in
I'm glad you come around, I've been feelin' down
Just talkin' to Tony and Mario
You know they make good conversation
Still it ain't no consolation
Cause I got love, baby
I'll give you some and if somebody comes
We'll let the doorbell ring
Said, ring, ring, golden ring around the sun
Around your pretty finger
Ring, ring voices ring with a happy tune
Anybody can be a singer
The sun come up across the city
I swear you never looked so doggone pretty
Hand in hand we'll stand upon the sand with the preacher man
Let the weddin' bells ring
Hand in hand we'll stand upon the sand with the preacher man
Let the weddin' bells ring
Hand in hand we'll stand upon the sand with the preacher man
Let the weddin' bells ring
The song "Rings" by Leo Kottke tells the story of a man waiting for his lover to come back home. The first verse opens with a telephone call from the woman asking what he's been doing and where he's been. The singer replies that he's been thinking about their relationship and there's no point in fighting over things they can't remember, suggesting they just come home and be together. The chorus is a playful touch, indicating they will ignore any calls or interruptions and focus only on each other, ready to "laugh and sing" and "make love" as the telephone rings.
In the second verse, the doorbell rings and the woman enters. The singer is glad to see her as he has been "feeling down." He mentions his recent conversation with Tony and Mario, presumably friends who offered advice or comfort during his lonely hours. But despite their good intentions, he knows he loves only the woman in front of him. They continue to ignore any distractions, putting on James Taylor's music to create a warm atmosphere. They share their love and wait for any other knocks on the door with confidence that their mutual feelings will overcome any challenge.
The final verse takes a turn toward the emotional commitment of love as they stand on the sand with a preacher man, waiting for the wedding bells to ring. The sun reflects the beauty of the scene, where both partners solidify their love and dedication to each other. The lyrics suggest that the singer has come a long way since the opening lines of the song, where he was waiting alone by the phone. Now they are ready to live their lives together, their love shining like the golden ring around the sun.
Line by Line Meaning
Ring, ring, telephone ring, somebody said Baby, what ya doin', I've been wonderin' where you been
The singer's phone rings and someone asks them what they're doing and where they've been.
Now and then I think about you and me No use fightin' 'bout things we can't recall It don't matter now at all Just come on home, baby, we'll laugh and sing We'll make love, let the telephone ring
The singer thinks about their past relationship, but realizes there's no point in arguing about what they can't remember. They invite their partner to come home and enjoy each other's company.
Ring, ring, doorbell ring, baby, come on in Got James Taylor on the stereo I'm glad you come around, I've been feelin' down Just talkin' to Tony and Mario You know they make good conversation Still it ain't no consolation Cause I got love, baby I'll give you some and if somebody comes We'll let the doorbell ring
The singer's doorbell rings and they invite their partner inside. They're happy to see them because they've been feeling down. They mention talking to friends but it didn't help. Despite that, they have love to give and won't be interrupted if someone else comes by.
Said, ring, ring, golden ring around the sun Around your pretty finger Ring, ring voices ring with a happy tune Anybody can be a singer The sun come up across the city I swear you never looked so doggone pretty Hand in hand we'll stand upon the sand with the preacher man Let the weddin' bells ring
The artist describes a golden ring around the sun and how it pales in comparison to the beauty of their partner's finger. They mention the happiness in people's voices and how anyone can be a singer. They talk about watching the sunrise together and how their partner looks stunning. They express their desire to get married and let the wedding bells ring.
Hand in hand we'll stand upon the sand with the preacher man Let the weddin' bells ring
The artist repeats their desire to get married and let the wedding bells ring, emphasizing their commitment to their partner.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEX HARVEY, EDDIE REEVES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind