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.
Tell Mary
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Without the moon these windows were black
But I could see that I was not mistaken
And I would never be coming back
Down the street the shadows followed them
I guess some men were meant to grow cold
They just get lost and make it their discovery
Somebody please tell Mary
Somebody please tell Mary
Late last night I stood outside this room
Without the moon these windows were black
But I could see that I was not mistaken
And I will never be coming back
Somebody please tell Mary
Somebody please tell Mary
The song "Tell Mary" by Leo Kottke is a bluesy ballad that speaks of loss and the feeling of being trapped in a situation without any solution. The singer starts the song by describing how he stood outside a room without the moon, indicating the darkness that surrounds him. He then goes on to say that he knows that he is not mistaken, and he will never be coming back. The lyrics point towards a sense of finality and closure, suggesting that the singer has made an irreversible decision to leave a situation behind.
As the song progresses, the singer talks about how some men were meant to grow cold and get lost in their life's journey. The shadows that followed them only make it their discovery, and long shadows turn certain hearts cold. The tone of the song is melancholic, with the singer lamenting the fate of people who are lost and cannot find their way back. He ends the song with a plea to someone named Mary, asking them to be informed of his departure.
Line by Line Meaning
Late last night I stood outside this room
I stood outside this room late at night
Without the moon these windows were black
The lack of moonlight made the windows appear black
But I could see that I was not mistaken
Despite the darkness, I was confident in my observation
And I would never be coming back
I had no intentions of returning
Down the street the shadows followed them
As they walked down the street, shadows followed them
I guess some men were meant to grow cold
Some men are destined to become emotionally distant
They just get lost and make it their discovery
These men become lost and accept it as their fate
Long shadows turn some hearts cold
The prolonged darkness can have a negative impact on one's emotions
Somebody please tell Mary
A plea for someone to inform Mary of something important
Somebody please tell Mary
A repeated request for someone to inform Mary
Late last night I stood outside this room
Reiteration of standing outside the room
Without the moon these windows were black
Repeated reference to the lack of moonlight affecting the windows
But I could see that I was not mistaken
Restatement of confidence in observation
And I will never be coming back
Statement of permanent departure
Somebody please tell Mary
Final plea for someone to communicate with Mary
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind