Sweet Emotion
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Sweet emotion
Talk about things that nobody cares
Wearing out things that nobody wears
You're calling my name but I gotta make clear
I can't tell you, baby, where I'll be in a year
Said my get up and go must a got up and went
Well, I got good news, she's a real good liar
Backstage boogie set your pants on fire
Sweet emotion
Sweet emotion
I pulled into town in a police car
Your daddy said I took it just a little too far
You're telling me things but your girlfriend lied
You can't catch me 'cause the rabbit gone died, I guess it did
Leo Kottke's Sweet Emotion is a song that revolves around a free spirit who lives his life the way he wants to, without being answerable to anybody. The opening lines - "Talk about things that nobody cares, wearing out things that nobody wears" - indicate the singer's disregard for the opinions and expectations of others. He is not bound by the limits of social norms and is confident in his individuality. The line "You're calling my name but I gotta make clear, I can't tell you, baby, where I'll be in a year" underscores his love of freedom and unwillingness to make long-term commitments.
The song's second stanza imagines a conversation with someone who disapproves of his lifestyle. The "sweat hog mama with a face like a gent" tells him that he needs to settle down and get serious, but he brushes off her advice. He sees through her facade and describes her as "a real good liar." The final lines of the stanza - "Backstage boogie set your pants on fire" - suggest that he is still living a wild and adventurous life, despite potential disapproval.
The song's chorus, "Sweet emotion," repeats twice throughout the song and serves as a reminder that the singer's life is full of ups and downs - but he loves every moment of it. The final stanza is a story about getting into trouble and being chased by the police. However, he is not willing to let his wild lifestyle come to an end - "You can't catch me 'cause the rabbit gone died, I guess it did."
Overall, the song is an ode to the freedom and individuality of the human spirit. It celebrates the uninhibited and adventurous nature of human beings, and encourages us to live our lives without worrying about what others might think or say.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet emotion
An expression of good feelings
Sweet emotion
Reiteration of good feelings
Talk about things that nobody cares
Discussing unimportant, insignificant topics
Wearing out things that nobody wears
Using outdated or out of style clothing
You're calling my name but I gotta make clear
Requesting understanding that I cannot commit to future plans or promises
I can't tell you, baby, where I'll be in a year
I am uncertain about future locations or decisions
Some sweat hog mama with a face like a gent
An unattractive woman with masculine features made a critical comment to me
Said my get up and go must a got up and went
Suggesting that my motivation or energy has vanished
Well, I got good news, she's a real good liar
Contrary to the previous statement, she is proficient in being dishonest
Backstage boogie set your pants on fire
An innuendo suggesting an exciting and energetic performance
Sweet emotion
An expression of good feelings
Sweet emotion
Reiteration of good feelings
I pulled into town in a police car
Arriving or entering a new place in a dramatic, law-enforced manner
Your daddy said I took it just a little too far
Apologizing for overstepping boundaries or exceeding expectations of an authority figure
You're telling me things but your girlfriend lied
Revealing information that contradicts what was previously told; girlfriend was dishonest
You can't catch me 'cause the rabbit gone died, I guess it did
I cannot be caught or held accountable for my actions because the opportunity has already passed, perhaps because of unfortunate circumstances
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Steven Victor Tallarico, Tom Hamilton
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind