Captain
Imperial Teen Lyrics

The song "Captain" by Imperial Teen is a reflective and introspective track about the singer's desire to stay close to someone and make history with them. The lyrics paint a picture of a boy and his guitar, dressed up in a borrowed coat and tie, smoking outside while radioing the bar. This sets up the scene for a potentially momentous event, as the possibility of making history is introduced. The singer is eager to stay close to their companion and not let others know their plans. The phrase "singing in the round" alludes to the idea of unity, as does the "taming of the crew," which suggests a collective effort. The out-of-place line "not a thing to wear" could be interpreted as being self-conscious or unsure of oneself when it comes to fitting in, a feeling that is quickly dispelled by the notion that there is only one game in town.

The chorus repeats the idea of the possibility of making history and emphasizes the notion of letting the captain choose the teams. This could represent a desire to trust in a higher power or a person with more experience in order to increase the chances of success. The singer reassures themselves and the listener that they are not as worried as they may seem. In the final lines of the song, the singer once again asserts their desire to stay close to their companion and keep their plans a secret.

Imperial Teen's "Captain" is a poetic portrayal of hope and unity that is presented through a sense of anticipation and secrecy. The lyrics are up for interpretation, and the song invites the listener to imagine their own scenario where they desire to make history with someone.