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.
Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Leo Kottke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Pledging their love to the ground
Lonely but free I'll be found
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds
Cares of the past are behind
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind
I know when night has gone
That a new world's born at dawn
I'll keep rolling along
Deep in my heart is a song
Here on the range I belong
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds
Drifting, on and on
Moving, on and on
Wandering, on and on
The lyrics of Leo Kottke's "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" paint a picture of a lonesome, yet free, cowboy drifting along with the rolling tumbleweeds. The first verse speaks to the carefree nature of the cowboy, a man who is willing to abandon everything and be content in just "drifting along." The repetitive imagery of the "tumbling tumbleweeds" throughout the song emphasizes the aimless nature of the cowboy's journey, but also represents the beauty and simplicity of life on the range.
The second verse signifies a leaving-behind of the past, and an open road ahead to be discovered. The cowboy has a sense of direction, though not exact, as he trusts and welcomes the unknown path ahead. The line, "Deep in my heart is a song," has been interpreted as the joy that the cowboy feels in being unencumbered, free to roam and be at one with nature.
Finally, the refrain "Drifting, on and on / Moving, on and on / Wandering, on and on" emphasizes the cyclical nature of life, the constant motion of drifting that the cowboy has accepted and even embraces. It's a symbolic representation of the human quest for happiness, freedom, and contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
See them tumbling down
Observing the sight of tumbleweeds falling down
Pledging their love to the ground
Tumbleweeds are devoted to the earth
Lonely but free I'll be found
Despite being alone, one can experience freedom
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds
Going with the flow, like the tumbleweeds themselves
Cares of the past are behind
Leaving past worries and hardships behind
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Having uncertainty about the future, but confident in finding one's path
Just where the trail will wind
Unsure of how the journey will play out, but excited to see where it leads
I know when night has gone
Having faith that morning will always come after the darkness
That a new world's born at dawn
Feeling hopeful that every new day brings new possibilities and opportunities
I'll keep rolling along
Continuing to move forward, never giving up
Deep in my heart is a song
Having a passion or drive that fuels one's journey
Here on the range I belong
Feeling a sense of belonging or purpose in one's surroundings
Drifting along with the tumbling tumbleweeds
Continuing to let life unfold, like the tumbleweeds in the wind
Drifting, on and on
Mentally and physically traveling through life
Moving, on and on
Progressing and evolving with each new experience
Wandering, on and on
Exploring new territories and ideas, never stagnant
Contributed by Camilla A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.