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.
Basil's Kite
Cap'n Jazz Lyrics
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your taught talking and lessening lessons. you strut like a stutter. dumb
loser user boy so used to the abuse can't see how he's been used. pokes me
in the side. mistakes my gagging for a smile. i can't fly till he can fly.
The lyrics to Cap'n Jazz's song "Basil's Kite" are about a person who is struggling with their own identity and self-worth. The first line, "when i fly and look down i'd swear that's not me," suggests a feeling of dissociation from oneself. The singer then urges the listener to "forget your taught talking and lessening lessons," which can be interpreted as a call to reject societal expectations and explore one's true self.
The following lines are directed at someone who the singer sees as a "dumb loser user boy" who is too "used to the abuse" to recognize how he has been manipulated. The phrase "can't see how he's been used" could also be interpreted as commentary on how people are often exploited by larger societal forces or systems without even realizing it.
Line by Line Meaning
when i fly and look down i'd swear that's not me. that's not me.
When I achieve success and see myself from a different perspective, it's hard to believe that it's actually me achieving those accomplishments.
forget your taught talking and lessening lessons.
Stop relying on the things you've been taught and truly listen to yourself and your instincts.
you strut like a stutter.
You appear confident on the outside, but your insecurities are evident in the way you speak and act.
dumb loser user boy so used to the abuse can't see how he's been used.
A person who lacks self-awareness and is constantly mistreated may not even realize how they are being taken advantage of by others.
pokes me in the side. mistakes my gagging for a smile.
Someone may perceive physical discomfort or even pain as a sign of amusement or enjoyment, leading to misunderstandings in communication.
i can't fly till he can fly.
Sometimes, the success of one person is dependent on the success of others, and we must work together and uplift each other to truly soar.
Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.