Leo Kottke (born September 11, 1945) is an acoustic guitarist. He is known … Read Full Bio ↴Leo Kottke (born September 11, 1945) is an acoustic guitarist. He is known for a fingerpicking style that draws on blues, jazz, and folk music, and for syncopated, polyphonic melodies. He overcame a series of personal obstacles, including partial loss of hearing and a nearly career-ending bout with tendon damage in his right hand, to emerge as a widely recognized master of his instrument. He currently resides in the Minneapolis area with his family.

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.

Why Ask Why
Leo Kottke Lyrics

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Why can?t you fix my car?
What kind of fool you are

It?s not a Mercedes
Why can?t you fix it please?
Here I am on my knees

It?s just a Chevrolet

I drive it everyday

Why can?t you fix my car?
What kind of fool you are?

Overall Meaning

The song "Why Can't You Fix My Car?" by Leo Kottke is a humorous take on the frustration of owning an old, unreliable car and the struggle to find someone who can fix it. The lyrics express a sense of helplessness as the singer pleads with a mechanic to fix their Chevrolet, even getting down on their knees to beg. The repeated question "Why can't you fix my car?" highlights the desperation and confusion the singer feels as they try to navigate the situation.

The tone of the song is light-hearted and playful, with the singer poking fun at the mechanic by calling them a "fool" for not being able to fix a simple car. The line "It's not a Mercedes, why can't you fix it please?" suggests that the mechanic may be more interested in working on expensive, high-end cars rather than the everyday vehicles that most people own.

Line by Line Meaning

Why can?t you fix my car?
Why are you unable to repair my vehicle?

What kind of fool you are
You must be a foolish person to not be able to fix my car.

It?s not a Mercedes
My car is not a Mercedes, which may be easier for you to repair.

Why can?t you fix it please?
Can you please repair my car? I really need it fixed.

Here I am on my knees
I am begging you to fix my car, to the point where I am on my knees.

It?s just a Chevrolet
My car is a Chevrolet, which should not be too difficult for you to fix.

I drive it everyday
I use this car on a daily basis and it's important for me to have it fixed.

Why can?t you fix my car?
I am seeking an answer to why you are unable to repair my car.

What kind of fool you are?
Again, I am questioning your skills for not being able to repair my car, insinuating that you may be a foolish person.

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KOTTKE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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