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.
Tiny Island
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Palm trees don't get in the way, it's a tropical ease
And everywhere that I keep my silence, no sound returns to me
Just endless waves at the end of our days, the sighing of the seas
But yesterday's gone, I don't know where I come from, hmmm
Wonder where I'm going
That I'd be gone for a very long time, I might be gone for good
And all that time, all the time, I thought you would never fall
It did not dawn across my mind the time that you lost it all
But yesterday's gone, I don't know where I come from, hmmm
Don't know where I'm going
Sometime's I feel like a tiny island floating in the sea
Palm trees don't get in the way, it's a tropical ease
And everywhere that I keep my silence, no sound returns to me
Just endless waves at the end of our days, the sighing of the seas
But yesterday's gone, I don't know where I come from, hmmm
Wonder where I'm going
In Leo Kottke's song "Tiny Island", the singer expresses a desire for a peaceful life on a small island, away from the chaos and noise of the world. The island he envisions is a tropical paradise, with palm trees and endless waves. He seeks to find refuge from the constant noise and activity of the world around him, where he can reflect upon his own thoughts and feelings. He longs for a life of simplicity and tranquillity, unencumbered by external pressures or expectations.
However, as the song progresses, the mood shifts from peaceful contemplation to regret and uncertainty. The singer reflects on past relationships and missed opportunities, lamenting the fact that he doesn't know where he comes from or where he's going. He wonders if he's made the right choices in life and if he's missed out on important moments along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
I wish I had a tiny island floating in the sea
I yearn for a peaceful and secluded place away from the chaos of the world.
Palm trees don't get in the way, it's a tropical ease
The island would be a paradise without any obstacles or hindrances.
And everywhere that I keep my silence, no sound returns to me
The island would be a serene place where solitude is respected and where silence can be held without any interruptions.
Just endless waves at the end of our days, the sighing of the seas
The sound of the waves, calm and continuous, would be the only sound and it would lull one into a sense of peace and tranquility.
But yesterday's gone, I don't know where I come from, hmmm
The past is over, and I am not exactly sure where I came from, both literally and figuratively.
Wonder where I'm going
Uncertainty about the future is ever-present and I am unsure where I am headed.
The very last time that you saw me off I thought that it was understood
When we last parted ways, I assumed we had communicated correctly and understood each other.
That I'd be gone for a very long time, I might be gone for good
I intended to leave for an extended period or possibly never to return.
And all that time, all the time, I thought you would never fall
During my absence, I assumed you would be strong and never falter.
It did not dawn across my mind the time that you lost it all
I was completely unaware that you had encountered difficulties to the point of internal collapse.
Sometime's I feel like a tiny island floating in the sea
There are times when I feel alone and isolated, as if I am floating in the sea without any connection to the world around me.
Palm trees don't get in the way, it's a tropical ease
Despite this feeling, I still long for a peaceful paradise free of obstacles such as palm trees.
And everywhere that I keep my silence, no sound returns to me
Again, I desire a location where silence is respected and preserved.
Just endless waves at the end of our days, the sighing of the seas
The sound of the waves provides a calming and constant presence, which would foster a sense of peace and tranquility to those on the island.
But yesterday's gone, I don't know where I come from, hmmm
As before, I am uncertain about my past or my place in the world.
Don't know where I'm going
Just as before, uncertainty about the future is prevalent.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ALAN GAYLOR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@shadowknight9807
This song speaks deeply to where I find myself now. A 66 year old single man who has been through a tough year of medical issues. I have run the gauntlet of medical tests, procedures and encounters and have emerged free of perceived issues. The endless waves at the end of our days - each day is a wave - and we don't know where we're going.
@marywillis1630
67, F, same. Remarkable. And it spoke deeply to me in 1975 as well.
@Sossy1986
Listening in 2020. This song was my lullaby as a baby and I also sang it to my own baby. This song is so so beautiful, every note is magical.
@marcellisrobinson
I bought the Greenhouse album when I was in high school, around 1975 or so. Haven't heard this song in such a long time, it's kind of like meeting a long lost acquaintance. Thanks for posting this.
@GreenManalishiUSA
It was the Greenhouse album, and this song in particular, that turned me into a Leo Kottke fan. I was in high school, and my friend's older brother had this LP. I loved the guitar playing, but I was captivated by the melancholy of the lyrics and the singing on Tiny Island and From the Cradle to the Grave. Those songs really spoke to my moods at the time, and sometimes they still do . When Capitol reissued Greenhouse in the late 1970s, they removed Tiny Island from the LP. Totally criminal, in my view.
@jeffreycrawford8631
have been listening to Leo since early 70's, still one of the best, never gets old and brings back some great memories. Lucky enough to see him live twice!
@gregwilson2068
It has been so long since I heard this, I forgot what a beautiful song it is.
Thanks for posting
@philturner6642
I realize there are many that don't care for Leo's singing.i am in the minority i like it and think its very soulful and matches up with the music quite nicely.
@robertoaguirre8906
I beacame familiar with Leo Kottke and John Prine in the early 70s when I was a young soldier stationed in the Far East. I never tired of their music and lyrics. I still listen to them regularly, true treasures.
@redboneexcellence6041
A national treasure.