Young also records under the names Sky Sailing, Port Blue, Color Therapy, Insect Airport, Seagull Orchestra and his own name, Adam Young.
Young started out making music in 2007 in his basement in his hometown of Owatonna, Minnesota, United States, later developing a following through his MySpace profile before being signed to Universal Republic. Young has released seven albums under the Owl City moniker: "Maybe I'm Dreaming" (2008), "Ocean Eyes" (2009), "All Things Bright and Beautiful" (2011), "The Midsummer Station" (2012), "Mobile Orchestra" (2015), "Cinematic" (2018), and "Coco Moon" (2023). Young's 2009 single "Fireflies" reached #1 in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and The Netherlands. His second major hit, 2012's "Good Time" featuring Carly Rae Jepsen reached #8 in the US and #1 in New Zealand.
He was also once a member of Windsor Airlift and Swimming with Dolphins, both of which he is no longer involved with.
Captains & Cruise Ships
Owl City Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you?re alone on the pier in West Palm Beach on your holiday
Stormy nights re-awake the stomachache that I?ve acquired
From feeling down, things look grim and I?m so sick, of being tired
Apartment lights go dark, and it?s depressing but what can I do?
Midnight streets feel dead, when I am so used to driving with you
As I inspect and analyze all these dreams I don?t recognize
If you?re still up when the ships in the port, prepare to set sail
Comb the beach and put those blue flowers up in your ponytail
Inside my head your voice is still resounding but what can I do?
The empty rooms feel cold when I am so used to being with you
Count the stars, watch the waves, absorb the summer sun and think of me
When you explore hidden coves and tiny island chains throughout the sea
Can you still hear my voice when I?m outside from over the phone?
For what its worth darling dear, I wish you were here ?cause I feel alone
When you were home, wed sing but since you?ve left I don?t hear anything
And though I feel so sad I can?t believe things are really that bad
Old captains and brand new cruise ships
Sailing over the briny sea
When I crash my beloved desk job
And swim through the debris
I?ll cut loose and leave this madhouse
Bound for the Atlantic blue
I?ll stroll down your tree-lined driveway
And sail the ocean with you
In "Captains and Cruise Ships," Owl City tells the story of a couple separated by distance as one is stuck in Los Angeles for work while the other is on vacation in West Palm Beach. The contrast between the lonely, stormy L.A. nights and the bright, sunny Florida days is accentuated by the singer's growing fatigue and homesickness. The holidays, which should be a time of joy and togetherness, only make him feel more isolated and disconnected.
The lyrics are packed full of imagery, from the bright lights and blue skies on the beach to the hidden coves and tiny island chains throughout the sea. The singer can't help but think of his partner and wishes they were with him to share in the experiences. The song is a bittersweet ode to the challenges of long-distance relationships and the longing for the person you love.
Overall, "Captains and Cruise Ships" is a powerful song that conveys a range of emotions and experiences. The contrast between the two settings highlights the singer's loneliness and isolation, while the vivid imagery helps bring the story to life.
Line by Line Meaning
I am stuck in L.A through the week, and can’t get away
I am unable to leave my current situation in L.A and this is frustrating me
And you’re alone on the pier in West Palm Beach on your holiday
You are spending your holiday alone at the pier in West Palm Beach
Stormy nights re-awake the stomachache that I’ve acquired
I feel upset and anxious when it storms outside
From feeling down, things look grim and I’m so sick, of being tired
My negative thoughts are causing me to feel grim and exhausted
Apartment lights go dark, and it’s depressing but what can I do?
It is saddening to see the apartment lights go out but I am unable to change this
Midnight streets feel dead, when I am so used to driving with you
I am used to driving around with you and the deserted streets make me miss you
Brighter lights fill the nights and bluer skies reflect in your eyes
The nights seem brighter and the skies bluer, reflecting in your eyes
As I inspect and analyze all these dreams I don’t recognize
I don't recognize the dreams that I am having and I am analyzing them
If you’re still up when the ships in the port, prepare to set sail
If you are still awake when the ship is in the port, get ready to sail
Comb the beach and put those blue flowers up in your ponytail
Comb the beach and put on the blue flowers in your ponytail
Inside my head your voice is still resounding but what can I do?
I keep hearing your voice in my head but I can't do anything about it
The empty rooms feel cold when I am so used to being with you
The empty rooms feel cold and lonely since I am used to being with you
Count the stars, watch the waves, absorb the summer sun and think of me
Count the stars, watch the waves, and absorb the summer sun, and don't forget about me
When you explore hidden coves and tiny island chains throughout the sea
While you are exploring hidden coves and tiny island chains in the sea
Can you still hear my voice when I’m outside from over the phone?
Can you still hear my voice when I am outside talking to you over the phone?
For what its worth darling dear, I wish you were here ‘cause I feel alone
Just to let you know, my dear, I feel lonely and I wish you were here with me
When you were home, we’d sing but since you’ve left I don’t hear anything
We used to sing together when you were here, but now that you are gone, it is silent
And though I feel so sad I can’t believe things are really that bad
I feel sad, but I don't think things are really that terrible
Old captains and brand new cruise ships
Old captains and brand new cruise ships
Sailing over the briny sea
Traveling over the salty sea
When I crash my beloved desk job
When I quit my beloved desk job
And swim through the debris
And swim through the wreckage left behind
I’ll cut loose and leave this madhouse
I will do whatever it takes to leave this insane place
Bound for the Atlantic blue
Going towards the pure blue of the Atlantic ocean
I’ll stroll down your tree-lined driveway
I will leisurely walk down your tree-lined driveway
And sail the ocean with you
And we will sail the ocean together
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM R. YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind