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.
Forget Who We Are
Cap'n Jazz Lyrics
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In Cap'n Jazz's song "Forget Who We Are," the singer expresses their frustration with standing in a stagnant position and engaging in trivial conversations. They cannot take any of the talk seriously and are overwhelmed by the realization that they are trying so hard to forget who they really are. The use of swimming eyes and spitting whys represents the emotional turmoil that can come with existential questioning and the splitting ties can be interpreted as a desire for personal growth and liberation from the confines of society's expectations. The missed kisses blown through blue night air are a reminiscence of lost opportunities and missed connections, further emphasizing the singer's longing for something more meaningful.
The line "walking you home with a bottle of boones between us" creates a vivid image of two people walking together, yet separated by the physical distance of a bottle, perhaps signifying that they are not completely connected on an emotional level. The chorus repeats the idea of trying to forget who they are, potentially due to societal pressures to conform or as a means of escaping their own personal demons. Overall, the song captures the inner turmoil and struggle to find meaning in a world that can feel overwhelming and exhausting.
Line by Line Meaning
i can't stand standing here like this and i can't take taking any of this talk serious.
I can't bear to be in this situation, and I can't listen to any of what you're saying with any gravity.
swimming eyes and spitting whys splitting ties we realize.
Tears and petty arguments are driving us apart and we understand that.
missed kisses blown through blue night air.
We regret the moments we didn't seize, shared under the dark sky.
walking you home with a bottle of boones between us.
We're heading home together with an awkward silence and a half-empty bottle of wine.
we're trying so hard to forget who we are.
We're making a conscious effort to escape our true selves and the reality of this moment.
Contributed by Kaylee A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.