The band recorded several singles for independent labels in the early 90's as well as contributing to several compilations. In 1995, they released their only full-length album, "Burritos, Inspiration Point, Fork Balloon Sports, Cards in the Spokes, Automatic Biographies, Kites, Kung Fu, Trophies, Banana Peels We've Slipped on and Egg Shells We've Tippy Toed Over" (better known as "Shmap'n Shmazz") on the tiny Man with Gun label.
The band broke up in July 1995, shortly after "Shmap'n Shmazz"'s release, on the night of a show at Little Rock's Das Yutes a Go-Go. In 1998, the Jade Tree label assembled a double-disc Cap'n Jazz retrospective titled "Analphabetapolothology" which compiles the band's complete recorded works: Shmap'n Shmazz, early singles, material from split releases, compilation tracks, unreleased demos and outtakes and several tracks from their farewell performance in Chicago.
After the band's split, the band members formed several new bands including The Promise Ring, American Football, Make Believe, Ghosts and Vodka, Owen, Joan of Arc and Owls
Cap'n Jazz reunited for a four-song set on January 22nd, 2010 at Chicago's Empty Bottle, which eventually led to a full tour in the second half of the year.
Oh Messy Life
Cap'n Jazz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
work is repetition.
this is my document.
we are all all we've done.
we are all all we've done.
we are all all defenses.
fire is motion.
is motion growth?
and you are
colder than oldness
could ever be.
and you are
bolder
than buzzing bugs.
my mama said
my cousin bucky's
so boldly bald
cuz he never
took his hat off.
he kept that cap on
even when swimming.
i know there's a lesson
in there somewhere
something nothing
special 'bout boys
who smell like salami
and boys who've never apologized.
and you are colder
than oldness could ever be.
and you are bolder than buzzing bugs.
The song "Oh Messy Life" by Cap'n Jazz is an introspective tune exploring the themes of monotonous work patterns, self-reflection, and the human tendency to define themselves by their past actions. The opening lines "fire is motion, work is repetition, this is my document, we are all we've done" establish the idea that our actions and achievements define us as individuals. The repetition and steady pace of work are compared to the steady motion of fire, which may hint at the idea of growth in motion.
The chorus, which repeats the lines "we are all defenses," suggests that all people have something to defend, whether it be their work, their actions, or their past. The imagery of buzzing bugs and cold oldness in the second verse is a metaphor for the contrasting personalities of boldness and approachability. The lyrics then switch to a personal anecdote about a cousin who never took his hat off, even while swimming - this references the idea of hiding insecurities behind something or someone else.
The final lines repeat the chorus, emphasizing the idea that our past actions and experiences make up who we are. Overall, the song is a reflection on life, with its ups and downs, and the idea that we carry with us everything we've done, whether it be good or bad.
Line by Line Meaning
fire is motion.
Does motion represent growth?
work is repetition.
Repetition is a part of all work.
this is my document.
This document holds significance to me.
we are all all we've done.
We are defined by our past deeds.
we are all all defenses.
Our defenses make us who we are.
fire is motion.
Does motion represent growth?
and you are
colder than oldness
could ever be.
You possess a coldness that surpasses even the coldest of things.
and you are
bolder
than buzzing bugs.
You have a bravery that rivals even the most fearless of insects.
my mama said
my cousin bucky's
so boldly bald
cuz he never
took his hat off.
he kept that cap on
even when swimming.
My mother told me that my cousin Bucky is completely bald because he never takes off his hat, even when he swims.
i know there's a lesson
in there somewhere
something nothing
special 'bout boys
who smell like salami
and boys who've never apologized.
There is a lesson in the idea that boys who smell like salami and never apologize are nothing special.
and you are
colder than oldness
could ever be.
You possess a coldness that surpasses even the coldest of things.
and you are
bolder
than buzzing bugs.
You have a bravery that rivals even the most fearless of insects.
Contributed by Evan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.