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.
You Know I Know You Know
Leo Kottke Lyrics
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by Leo Kottke
Copyright 1973 Overdrive Music/ASCAP
recorded by Leo Kottke on:
1973 "Ice Water" (Capitol)
Don't you mean I was lost
Don't you think you're alone
You don't have to explain it's not the same
Don't you mean I was lost
Don't you think you're alone
Chorus
You don't have to explain
You're just the same
Nobody knows the name of the game
Don't you mean I'm lonely
Don't you think you're alone
Stray dogs, lost cause, phonies
Holding onto your own
You don't have to explain
You're just the same
Nobody knows the name of the game
Come on, rave on
Your partner can dance
You know I know you know
You ought to jump at the chance
I don't need to explain
It's not all the same
Nobody knows the name of the game
Leo Kottke's song "You Know I Know You Know" is a song about confusion and misunderstanding. The lyrics suggest the singer is lost and lonely while confronting someone else who they believe is also alone. The opening lines of the song are "Don't you mean I was lost / Don't you think you're alone" which speak to a confusion surrounding identity and a sense of isolation. The chorus, "You don't have to explain / You're just the same / Nobody knows the name of the game" continues this theme of confusion by implying that everyone is lost, and no one truly knows what they're doing.
As the song continues, it takes a darker turn with the inclusion of the lines "Stray dogs, lost cause, phonies / Holding onto your own." These words suggest that the people who may seem confident and sure of themselves are just as lost as everyone else. The final verse of the song, "Come on, rave on / Your partner can dance / You know I know you know / You ought to jump at the chance" is a call to action. The singer is urging the other person to take a chance on life, to dance and be happy, despite the uncertainty and confusion that may surround them.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't you mean I was lost
Are you not implying that I was lost?
Don't you think you're alone
Do you not believe that you are isolated?
You don't have to explain it's not the same
There is no need for you to clarify that it is different.
Nobody knows the name of the game
No one understands how to approach this situation.
Chorus
Repeating the previous lines.
Don't you mean I'm lonely
Aren't you suggesting that I am feeling lonely?
Stray dogs, lost cause, phonies
There are people in this world who are like strays, aimless or insincere.
Holding onto your own
Clutching to your own beliefs and values.
Come on, rave on
Be enthusiastic and excited.
Your partner can dance
Your companion is able to dance with you.
You know I know you know
I am aware that you are aware.
You ought to jump at the chance
It would be wise for you to take advantage of this opportunity.
I don't need to explain
There is no need for me to clarify further.
It's not all the same
This situation is not uniform or consistent.
Nobody knows the name of the game
No one understands how to approach this situation.
Contributed by Jackson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.