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.
Summer's Growing Old
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Summer's growing old
Children play the same old way, all the day long
Summer's growing old, her smile is not so bold
Summer's growing old
Summer's growing old
Children play the same old way, all the way home
Leo Kottke's song "Summer's Growing Old" paints a picture of the end of summer, with the leaves changing color and the sun setting earlier. The lyrics suggest a melancholic feeling as happy summer days are now limited. The phrase "her smile is not so bold" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the sadness that comes with the end of summer.
The verse about children playing the same way all day long and all the way home suggests a cycle or routine that will soon come to an end with the changing season. The repetition of the phrase "Summer's growing old" emphasizes the inevitability of time passing and creates a sense of longing for what has been lost.
The overall mood of the song is bittersweet, acknowledging the beauty of summer while at the same time mourning its end. It's a poignant reminder that everything has a season and, in the end, nothing lasts forever.
Line by Line Meaning
Summer's growing old, her smile is not so bold
As summer fades away, it loses its vibrancy and youthfulness, just like an aging person, who becomes less energetic and less expressive.
Summer's growing old
The season of summer is coming to an end, and the changes of the upcoming fall season are starting to appear.
Children play the same old way, all the day long
Despite the changes around them, children continue to engage in their usual activities without any sense of time. They are not concerned with the passing of summer into fall.
Summer's growing old, her smile is not so bold
The joy and excitement that was once present during the summer months is slowly fading away, as summer prepares to give way to autumn.
Summer's growing old
Each day, summer is losing a bit of its warmth and sunshine, as the days grow shorter and the nights grow cooler, heralding the arrival of fall.
Summer's growing old, her smile is not so bold
The natural beauty of summer, evident in the colorful flowers and lush greenery, is now starting to fade and wither, as the season draws to a close.
Children play the same old way, all the way home
Even as the colorful sights and sounds of summer diminish and disappear, children remain oblivious to these changes and continue to play and enjoy their youth without a care in the world.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
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