The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
I've come down with something
I'm frozen, tied up, cast in lead
It's simple, so says the captain
Face forward, move slow, forge ahead
I'm earning a reputation
My conscience, mistrust and regret
Courageous, just like the captain
Marching forward with no doubt in his head
Onward
Onward
Onward
Onward
I'm frozen, tied up, cast in lead
It's simple, so says the captain
Face forward, move slow, forge ahead
I'm earning a reputation
My conscience, mistrust and regret
Courageous, just like the captain
Marching forward with no doubt in his head
Onward
Onward
Onward
Onward
Lyrics submitted by DAngerer87
The Captain Lyrics as written by Brian Rosenworcel Adam Gardner
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Most inspiring songs are about getting through the tough times or making lemons into lemonade. Sounds like Miller is saying in this one that the times never seemed rough to him.
In my opinion, the only weak song on the new album. The lyrics seem cheesy...and forced, not free-flowing like Miller's other songs.
I disagree about it seeming like there are no rough times. I think this song is merely promoting a simple approach to complicated rough times: "Face forward, move slow, forge ahead...Onward" It sounds like he's been inspired by someone stronger than him, the courageous captain, and he's trying to be like that in order to get through his own rough times. That's my opinion. I enjoy the song a lot.
Understand they seem like boring lyrics at face value, but here's the deal. I think this is Guster's version of Bright Eyes "When the President Talks to God." First person account from the eyes of the president (twangy country feel) and the captain is, well, The Captain.
Does this song remind anyone else of "The General" by Dispatch? I think this song is about God. It would be about Jesus if they weren't Jewish...
^ you're joking about the General comparison, right? the only similar thing is the title. the actual meanings of the songs, in my opinion, are completely different.
I'm thinking this might be political, anti-Bush. I can't think of any politics having come from Guster ever before (unless I missed it, always possible), but a lot of people who don't normally care much are getting worked up over recent events.
The oversimplification of a problem in the first verse, "marching forward with no doubt in his head" in the second. I'm thinking maybe captain=Bush.
@gravity_defiant <br /> You nailed it bro, I’ve always thought that was the subtext meaning to this song.
Whether or not the Captain is Bush, or the song is supposed to be Bush's first-person account the captain is his concept/interpretation of God - it's brilliantly subtle and definitely political. This whole album is subtly political right down to it's name "Ganging up on the Sun/Son" (as in W is the son of Bush 1). Listen to Manifest Destiny - it's about ceceding and starting over and takes a dig at the "leaders." Personally, I'm glad Guster is joining the many groups writing and railing against this administration...
Whether or not the Captain is Bush, or the song is supposed to be Bush's first-person account the captain is his concept/interpretation of God - it's brilliantly subtle and definitely political. This whole album is subtly political right down to it's name "Ganging up on the Sun/Son" (as in W is the son of Bush 1). Listen to Manifest Destiny - it's about ceceding and starting over and takes a dig at the "leaders." Personally, I'm glad Guster is joining the many groups writing and railing against this administration...
yeah this song is definitely anti-Bush...awesome part is the irony of making it a country song, because the majority of country songs and singers are Republican, patriotic types.
i think this song is simply about forging ahead through strife and apprehension, with the guide of the Captian, who could be supernatural or otherwise.
@joesangelo Wrong