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.
Take on Me
Cap'n Jazz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
today's another day to find you shying away,
i'll be coming for your love, ok?
take on me, take me on. i'll be gone in a day or two.
so needless to say, i'm odds and ends.
but that's me stumbling away, slowly learning that life is ok.
say after me, it's no better to be safe than sorry.
take on me, take me on.
oh the things that you say,
is it live or just to play my worries away.
you're all the things i've got to remember.
you're shying away.
i'll be coming for you anyway.
take on me, take me on.
i'll be gone in a day or two.
The lyrics of Cap'n Jazz's "Take On Me" paint a picture of chase and vulnerability. The song presents a situation where the singer is pursuing someone they are interested in, but the other person seems to be shying away. The singer seems unsure of their words, stumbling and "odds and ends." Yet, they are determined to take a chance and "take on" the person they are after. The phrase "take on me" becomes a plea, a challenge, and ultimately an invitation for the other person to reciprocate their feelings. The line "I'll be gone in a day or two" adds a sense of urgency and fleetingness to this pursuit, highlighting the vulnerability of the singer and the transitory nature of the moment.
The chorus repeats the phrase "take on me, take me on" over and over, underscoring the central theme of the song. The verses contain internal rhymes and a varied rhythm that reflect the singer's hesitant yet earnest approach to the situation. The playful line "oh the things that you say, is it live or just to play my worries away" suggests a bit of doubt and suspicion on the singer's part. The song ends with the repeated promise of the chorus: "take on me, take me on, I'll be gone in a day or two", suggesting that even though the chase may not be successful, it's still worth pursuing.
Overall, Cap'n Jazz's "Take On Me" is a catchy, upbeat song that captures the thrill and apprehension of pursuing someone who may not be ready or willing to reciprocate your feelings. The lyrics are simple yet effective in conveying the emotions of the singer, and the catchy melody makes it a song that's hard to forget.
Line by Line Meaning
we're talking away. i don't know what i'm to say i'll say it anyway.
We're having a conversation, but I may not know what to say. Regardless, I'll speak my mind.
today's another day to find you shying away,
It's a new day, and I hope to find you, but you may be avoiding me.
i'll be coming for your love, ok?
I'm going to pursue your affection, is that alright with you?
take on me, take me on. i'll be gone in a day or two.
Come with me, let's take on the challenges together. But I may have to leave soon.
so needless to say, i'm odds and ends.
There's no need to explain, I'm a collection of different parts and pieces.
but that's me stumbling away, slowly learning that life is ok.
That's just who I am - making mistakes and figuring out that life is okay in the end.
say after me, it's no better to be safe than sorry.
Repeat after me, taking risks is often better than playing it too safe and regretting it later.
oh the things that you say, is it live or just to play my worries away.
The things you say - are they genuine or just said to distract me and calm my anxieties?
you're all the things i've got to remember.
You're everything worth keeping in my memory.
you're shying away. i'll be coming for you anyway.
You may be avoiding me, but I'm determined to pursue you regardless.
take on me, take me on. i'll be gone in a day or two.
Join me in this adventure, but my time with you may be short-lived.
Contributed by Owen I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Zaenolifix
LYRICS
We're talking away
I don't know what
I'm to say I'll say it anyway
Today's another day to find you
Shying away
I'll be coming for your love, okay?
Take on me (take on me)
Take me on (take on me)
I'll be gone
In a day or two
So needless to say
I'm odds and ends
But I'll be stumbling away
Slowly learning that life is okay
Say after me
It's no better to be safe than sorry
Take on me (take on me)
Take me on (take on me)
I'll be gone
In a day or two
Cameron McKinney
To me....this is the epitome of a good time. Blowing out your vocal chords with friends to a good ol' classic.
gustv
You're so right, man!
Pink Raven
@TheBoomhahaha Who says I'm gay?
TheBoomhahaha
@Pink Raven I know you're not the original commenter but having your vocal chords blown out by a group of your friends kinda gives it away
Pink Raven
@TheBoomhahaha He said WITH friends, not BY :P
s
How are these vocals bad? They’re amazing
Anemic Leech
I'm not gonna lie, this is my favorite version of this song...
shonensaiyan
It's the best
Komodo
This is my favorite Take on Me cover. The original song is so fun and catchy and this one does the same thing but in a different style. It's like getting together with your buddies and just hammering out a fun and energetic cover.
dutchbagel
hands down the best cover i've ever heard