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.
Running Up The Stairs
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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She jumps up running, runnin up the stairs
She jumps up running, runnin up the stairs
She jumps up running, runnin up the stairs
Someone told her a long time ago
Someone told her a long time ago
Someone told her a long time ago
You will remember when you're alone
You will remember when you're alone
You will remember when you're alone
You will remember when you're alone
No letters, no telephone
No kisses, no one will know
The front door is open, swinging in the wind
The front door is open, swinging in the wind
The front door is open, swinging in the wind
The front door is open, swinging in the wind
No letters, no telephone
No kisses, no one will know
The song "Running Up The Stairs" by Leo Kottke is an emotive piece that seems to be about a woman feeling alone and searching for a way to cope with this isolation. The repetition of the line “She jumps up running, running up the stairs” seems to suggest a sense of urgency, as if the woman is trying to escape something or reach somewhere quickly. The repetition of this line may also symbolize a sense of repetition in her life, where she continues to run and search for something without ever fully finding it. The phrase "Someone told her a long time ago" further implies that perhaps the woman has been carrying a burden for a while, and is trying to make sense of it all.
The line "You will remember when you're alone" suggests that this woman may be facing a moment of realization, as if realizing the weight of her solitude or realizing the advice given to her before. The phrase "No letters, no telephone, no kisses, no one will know" seems to convey a sense of loneliness and disconnection, suggesting that this woman feels forgotten and hopeless.
The final repetition of the lines about the front door swinging in the wind adds to the sense of isolation and vulnerability felt by the woman. The chords and melody of the song are melancholic, adding to the overall feeling of sadness and despair.
Line by Line Meaning
She jumps up running, running up the stairs
She is quickly and energetically ascending the staircase by jumping from one step to the next.
Someone told her a long time ago
At an earlier time, someone gave her information or advice that she may still carry with her and be influenced by.
You will remember when you're alone
The information or advice that was given to her may come back to her in quiet or solitary moments, when she has time to reflect.
No letters, no telephone
There are no means of communication available to her, such as written correspondence or a phone call.
No kisses, no one will know
In the absence of communication, there will be no way for anyone to find out about her situation or well-being, and she will be entirely alone.
The front door is open, swinging in the wind
The door leading to the outside of the building is not properly closed or secured, and is moving back and forth due to the wind blowing through it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
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