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.
Turning Into Randolph Scott
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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Some things never change
Dried up and solitary
Alkali on the range
Once she was a humid child
Nodding toward her place
Sleeping in her vegetables
Once she was a humid child
Now she ain't
Turning into Randolph Scott
Some things never change
Dried up and solitary
Alkali on the range
Carrots where her eyes were bright
Orange where she'd blush
Brussel sprout conditioned fists
Dropped string beans into her socks
Once she was a humid child
Now she is not
Turning into Randolph Scott
Some things never change
Dried up and solitary
Alkali on the range
Turning into Randolph Scott
Some things never change
Dried up and solitary
Alkali on the range
The lyrics of Leo Kottke's song "Turning Into Randolph Scott" tells the story of a person who has drastically changed from their earlier life. The first stanza tells of how the person has become dried up and solitary due to living amidst alkali on the range. The second stanza, with its use of surreal imagery, describes the transformation of the person's physical appearance. No longer a "humid child," their face and body have morphed into that of Randolph Scott, a famous Hollywood actor known for his roles as a stoic cowboy in Western films.
The repetition of the chorus, "Some things never change/Dried up and solitary/Alkali on the range," emphasizes the person's stagnation and their inability to escape from their current situation. The overall mood of the song is one of resignation, suggesting that the person's transformation is irreversible and that they have accepted their fate.
Overall, the lyrics of "Turning Into Randolph Scott" are open to interpretation. They could be interpreted as a warning against allowing oneself to become stagnant and stuck in an unfulfilling life, or as a commentary on the pressures of conformity that lead people to sacrifice their individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
Turning into Randolph Scott
Becoming like the classic movie star with a stern and serious demeanor
Some things never change
Certain aspects of life stay consistent despite the passage of time
Dried up and solitary
Dry and devoid of life, spending time alone
Alkali on the range
Living in a harsh, dry environment with high alkalinity
Once she was a humid child
In her youth, she was more lively and full of moisture
Nodding toward her place
Acknowledging her purpose or destination
Sleeping in her vegetables
Resting among the plants and crops she tended to
Legumes for a face
Her face resembled beans or peas due to its shape or complexion
Now she ain't
She is no longer the same as before
Carrots where her eyes were bright
Her lively eyes had been replaced by orange carrots, perhaps indicating a lack of emotion or passion
Orange where she'd blush
Her rosy cheeks had been replaced with the same color as the carrots, perhaps further indicating a lack of vitality
Brussel sprout conditioned fists
Her fists had grown hard like brussels sprouts, possibly from hard work or a harsh lifestyle
Dropped string beans into her socks
Her socks were filled with beans, perhaps to keep her feet warm or to add extra padding
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEO KOTTKE
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