Tugboat

Presumably written with Velvet Underground guitarist Sterling Morrison is mind - after leaving the VU he become somewhat of an isolationist, pursuing a Ph. D in midevil studies and becoming a tugboat captain. I think the song more generally is about escaping the trivialities of the social world, and reconnecting with life and nature. I think of a tugboat captain as someone who charters the vast, open waters. But then again tugboat captains have a specific destination they are heading to. So a tugboat captain is not entirely a recluse, but maintains just enough of a link to society to know why he no longer wants to be there. This song is then a call to let go of the modern world and return to a more natural, simple way of life.

it so weird, I'd always tought this song said "open your presents"instead of "vote for your president". I thought it was a song about a whimsical and possesive character who desesperately craves attention, now I see it as a much more political song.

A perfect little love song that has inspired at least two generations of indie songwriters since.

And yes, the "tugboat captain" part is indeed a reference to Sterling Morrison, Dean Wareham's hero and main influence on guitar.

Wow. This song says so much without having to use a lot of words. It's just enough to give you an idea and lets you fill in the rest.

i love this song.

Better lyrics have not been written.

though I presume this song is largely about Sterling Morrison, I do really enjoy thinking about it as a sort of strange romantic song. When I first listened to it I really identified the lyrics with the feeling of falling in love as a very tired introvert, a sort of self-aware, egotistical and crazed yet beautiful feeling of "why would I do anything else? why would I talk to anyone else? when all I want is to be around you and you alone." (or on this case, to 'be your tugboat captain')

It's about not conforming to societal demands, and to do what makes you happy.

I like to look at the image of a tugboat captain as wanting to be someone who paves the way and inspires others. the same way a tugboat guides a huge ship into the dock, i see the tugboat captain as someone who creates a space for new artists to rise to the top. someone who wants to stay underground while still making a big change in the world.