The Captain
Kasey Chambers Lyrics


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Well I don't have as many friends because
I'm not as pretty as I was
I've kicked myself at times because I've lied
So I will have to learn to stand my ground
I'll tell 'em I won't be around
I'll move on over to your town and hide

And you be the captain
And I'll be no one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father
And if I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cause you're the captain, I am no one
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you

Well I have handed all my efforts in
Searched here for my second wind
Is there somewhere here to let me in I asked
So I slammed the doors they slammed at me
I found the place I'm meant to be
I figured out my destiny at last

And you be the captain
And I'll be no one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father
And if I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cause you're the captain, I am no one
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you

Did I forget to thank you for the ride
I hadn't tried I tend to runaway and hide

And you be the captain
And I'll be no one
And you can carry me away if you want to
And you can lay low
Just like your father
And if I tread upon your feet you just say so
'Cause you're the captain, I am no one
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you

'Cause you're the captain, I am no one
I tend to feel as though I owe one to you




'Cause you're the captain, and I am no one
And I owe one to you, to you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Captain by Kasey Chambers express a sense of introspection and self-awareness, as the singer reflects on her shortcomings and past mistakes. In the first stanza, she acknowledges that she may have lost friends because of her looks or dishonesty, and resolves to stand up for herself and move on with her life. In the chorus, she addresses someone else, likely a romantic partner or a trusted friend, and asserts that this person is the captain while she is no one. She tells this person that they can control her and take her wherever they want, and she will follow, laying low like they do. She also acknowledges that she owes something to this person, perhaps gratitude or loyalty, but she feels inferior and unworthy.


The second stanza continues the theme of self-discovery and redemption, as the singer describes her struggles to find her place in the world. She has faced rejection and disappointment in the past, but eventually found her "destiny" and her sense of purpose. Again, she addresses the captain, telling them that they have been instrumental in her journey, and expressing a sense of indebtedness. The final stanza is more ambiguous, as she questions whether she has properly thanked the captain and expresses a tendency to run away and hide. The repetition of the chorus underscores the central dynamic of the song: the singer deferring to the captain's authority and feeling beholden to them.


Overall, The Captain is a poignant meditation on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of self-acceptance. The singer's vulnerability and honesty make the song relatable for anyone who has struggled with feelings of inadequacy, and the simple yet evocative lyrics are a testament to Chambers' skill as a storyteller.


Line by Line Meaning

Well I don't have as many friends because I'm not as pretty as I was
I have lost many friends because I am not as attractive as I once was.


I've kicked myself at times because I've lied So I will have to learn to stand my ground I'll tell 'em I won't be around I'll move on over to your town and hide
I regret lying in the past and will work on being honest. I will tell them I am leaving and move to your town to start anew.


And you be the captain And I'll be no one And you can carry me away if you want to And you can lay low Just like your father And if I tread upon your feet you just say so 'Cause you're the captain, I am no one I tend to feel as though I owe one to you, to you
I give you control, let me be your passenger. You can be like your father and I won't interfere. If I do something wrong, tell me because you are in charge. I feel indebted to you.


Well I have handed all my efforts in Searched here for my second wind Is there somewhere here to let me in I asked So I slammed the doors they slammed at me I found the place I'm meant to be I figured out my destiny at last
I have tried my hardest here and need a change. I asked if there is a place that will accept me, but was turned away. I found where I belong and finally understand my purpose.


Did I forget to thank you for the ride I hadn't tried I tend to runaway and hide
Did I forget to thank you for all you have done for me? I am sorry if I haven't shown gratitude in the past. I have a tendency to run and hide when things get tough.


'Cause you're the captain, I am no one I tend to feel as though I owe one to you 'Cause you're the captain, and I am no one And I owe one to you, to you
You are in charge and I am just a passenger. I feel like I owe you for all that you have done. You are the captain and I am just a nobody. I owe you something, to you.




Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management
Written by: KASEY CHAMBERS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

USandNL

I've listened to Kasey for 20 years. She is truly amazing. Check out her live version of Eminem's Lose Yourself. It's a masterpiece!!

funny frenchy

Itโ€™s the song of the Century

glenn212now

I hadn't heard of Kasey Chambers until I was re-watching The Sopranos recently and they played this song. She's such a huge talent.

Knight of Summer

Okaโฌ›

Beau Bellack

Same here!!!

ludo matmut

Same !!!

Lago di Fuoco

Same.

gerard glass

saw her and her family (dead ringer band0 played a show at the bottom pub in yackandandah can still hear her voice

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123nlusky

Some songs just nail it when you come across them at the right time and place โค๏ธ๐Ÿ˜ข

Lago di Fuoco

Yes.

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