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.
Ooh Do I Love You
Cap'n Jazz Lyrics
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The lyrics of Cap'n Jazz's song Ooh Do I Love You paint a picture of a transitional period between winter and spring, where the ground is muddy and the grass is gone. The singer is observing people walking over the mud and slush as they go about their lives. The imagery of the mud bubbling and bursting with each step creates a sense of chaos and disorder. The singer contemplates their place in the world, wondering where the "inbetween" is if everyone is the same. They reflect on their own struggles and the struggles of those around them, acknowledging that everyone is hurting in some way. The song also touches on humanity's fascination with ranking and categorizing other species, often without considering our own fears and limitations.
The lyrics are full of vivid and somewhat abstract imagery, creating a mood of restlessness and introspection. The repetition of "I'm singing, I'm hollering, I'm always bothering" at the end of the song adds a sense of agitation, as if the singer is struggling to find their place in the world.
Line by Line Meaning
mud. muddy slush. slushy lawn. in the inbetween of the winter and spring and the lawn's long gone.
Describing the dreariness of the transition between seasons, when everything is muddy and there is no clear definition of what belongs where.
people walking. lotsa people walking over the life in the mud on the sidewalk under my crawl.
Observing the constant movement of people and how it seems to erode the value of the small things in life.
mud bubbles pop and burst breath into the air. where's the inbetween if everyone's a me. (that there tree grew outta me.)
Noticing the small details of nature, and questioning the concept of self and individuality in a world where everything seems to be connected and influence each other.
people talking. lotsa peopel talking. i'm hurt. you're hurt. my dad's hurt and haven't you learned everyone's hurt.
Realizing that everyone is carrying their own pain and struggles, and that empathy is important in understanding the human experience.
sure we're all smiles seeing reptiles. birds in bars. we measure up each species in our heads. barely aware that we're so scared we measure up each species in our heads.
Acknowledging the tendency to categorize and compare everything, ultimately ignoring the complexity and beauty of each individual thing.
i can step on that li'l fucker's jaw. i can snap him in half like a wishbone. and i think to myself (like i'm always thinking) i want everything and two of some of this shit.
Feeling a sense of power, but also a desire for more and always wanting to have control.
find my place in the apehouse. see myself in their eyes. my fingers on their feet. my possessive love somewhere in their embrace. my freedom's limitations in their swinging and hollering.
Identifying with the primal nature of animals, and how it relates to human emotions and relationships.
i'm singing. i'm hollering. i'm singing. i'm hollering. i'm always bothering.
Expressing oneself through art and music, but acknowledging that it may not always be welcomed or understood by others.
Contributed by Alexis H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.