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.
We Are Scientists!
Cap'n Jazz Lyrics
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The lyrics of Cap'n Jazz's song "We Are Scientists!" are poetic and depict a sense of confusion and disillusionment. The use of cotton preshrunk displays and colors fading implies a sense of gradual wearing down, not only in a physical sense but also in terms of personality and characteristics. The singer seems to be unsure of where to stand or how to take any action and feels overwhelmed by the world around them.
There is a sense of defeatism, with the repeated phrase "I can't win." The singer cannot seem to find a place in the world or make any headway against its challenges. Their tongue tangling them and the lack of thoughts between them and others suggests a sense of disconnection and an inability to communicate.
The mention of a neon museum adds to the surreal and slightly disorienting tone of the lyrics. The walls closing in, and the inability to have meaningful conversations as conveyed by the lines "I remember every conversation/I forgot to have" and "scripted questions I never cared to ask about" allude to feeling trapped and unable to break free from mental or physical constraints. The line "you can't look at the sky without looking right through it" is a profound statement that suggests that no matter what one sees or experiences, it is ultimately pointless or meaningless.
Line by Line Meaning
cotton preshrunk displays games we play.
Our actions and behavior are predetermined by societal norms.
colors run and colors fade.
Things change and don't always remain as vibrant as they once were.
i can't pick a side to pick a fight on.
I am indecisive and not confrontational.
it's more of me than i am of it.
My identity is more important than the situation at hand.
i can't win. i can't win. i can't win. i can't win. i can't win.
I feel trapped and unable to succeed.
now my tongue has tangled me toothless.
I have said something that has caused me harm.
and we don't have a thought between us.
We lack communication and understanding.
in this one light room in this neon museum the walls itch in closer.
The environment is suffocating and uncomfortable.
i remember every conversation (i remember everything) i forgot to have.
I regret missed opportunities for communication.
starchy retort scripted questions i never cared to ask about.
I am disinterested in generic small talk.
starchy product scripted people i never asked to care about.
I am not interested in conforming to societal expectations.
i can't win.
I feel that I am unable to succeed.
my skin was shrinking when she told me don't worry honey. you can't look at the sky without looking right through it.
I feel vulnerable and exposed, but someone reassures me that it's okay to be introspective.
Contributed by Brayden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Carr
This album means so much to me. I think it is the most accurate depiction of those magical years of youth that there ever was in music.
Daniel Gray
Esp the looking at the sky lines at the end, holy fuck
ASSONANCE
John Carr nothing is more pure than just a group of dudes jammin out and having a blast
OO11OO1O1OOO1
Been and will be with me forever
notyoursavior78
This stuff really is great. There are songs I like better, but wow what a creative band.
John Scott
one of my favorite songs of all time!
brad hale
My teen-self would back-hand me in the mouth for liking Cap'n Jazz now, at age 30.
Jackets On Fire
We Are Scientist by Cap n’ Jazz Lyrics
cotton preshrunk displays games we play. colors run and colors fade. i can't pick a side to pick a fight on. it's more of me than i am of it. i can't win. i can't win. i can't win. i can't win. i can't win. now my tongue has tangled me toothless. and we don't have a thought between us. in this one light room in this neon museum the walls itch in closer. i remember every conversation (i remember everything) i forgot to have. starchy retort scripted questions i never cared to ask about. starchy product scripted people i never asked to care about. i can't win. my skin was shrinking when she told me don't worry honey. you can't look at the sky without looking right through it.
Karla Jaeger
Stretch.
Tyler Mansmith
My favorite song by these guys.