The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Nobody cares
About ocean affairs
He's by himself cause nobody loves him
Cleaning his sand
Filled boots with his hand
Looking for something but nothing sees him
Happy was he
In spite of his knee
That wasn't there because of his day job
There was a man
Who took to the band
Paying attention tried to adhere him
And he ran
And he shot
But his rivals were sharp
And the kids
in the sand
Struggled finding a plan
Seemingly fine
He sipped on his wine
Terra was healthy but not on a mission
There was a sea
A mystical tease
Our cannons were shot til we couldn't afford them
Others would have died alone
Angels all worked free
Timeless fairs and sing-alongs
Speaking naturally
And he ran
And he shot
But his rivals were sharp
And the kids
In the sand
Struggled deep hand in hand
All the way
From the bay
I could hear them say
All the time
We were dead
And I'm Cap' Splendid
And he ran
And he shot
But his rivals were sharp
And the kids
In the sand
Struggled deep hand in hand
All the way
From the bay
I could hear them say
I don't care
If we're dead
And I'm Captain Splendid
About ocean affairs
He's by himself cause nobody loves him
Cleaning his sand
Filled boots with his hand
Looking for something but nothing sees him
Happy was he
In spite of his knee
That wasn't there because of his day job
There was a man
Who took to the band
Paying attention tried to adhere him
And he ran
And he shot
But his rivals were sharp
And the kids
in the sand
Struggled finding a plan
Seemingly fine
He sipped on his wine
Terra was healthy but not on a mission
There was a sea
A mystical tease
Our cannons were shot til we couldn't afford them
Others would have died alone
Angels all worked free
Timeless fairs and sing-alongs
Speaking naturally
And he ran
And he shot
But his rivals were sharp
And the kids
In the sand
Struggled deep hand in hand
All the way
From the bay
I could hear them say
All the time
We were dead
And I'm Cap' Splendid
And he ran
And he shot
But his rivals were sharp
And the kids
In the sand
Struggled deep hand in hand
All the way
From the bay
I could hear them say
I don't care
If we're dead
And I'm Captain Splendid
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
I Can't Go To Sleep
Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
This song is written as the perspective of the boys in the street, as a whole, and what path they are going to choose as they get older and grow into men. (This is why the music video takes place in an orphanage.) The seen, and unseen collective suffering is imbedded in the boys’ mind, consciously or subconsciously, and is haunting them. Which path will the boys choose? Issac Hayes is the voice of reason, maybe God, the angel on his shoulder, or the voice of his forefathers from beyond the grave who can see the big picture and are pleading with the boys not to continue the violence and pattern of killing their brothers, but to rise above. The most beautiful song and has so many levels. Racism towards African Americans in America would not exist if everyone sat down and listened to this song and understood the history behind the words. The power, fear, pleading in RZA and Ghostface voices are genuine and powerful. Issac Hayes’ strong voice makes the perfect strong father figure, who is possibly from beyond the grave.
Blue
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
oh so beautiful. what does no one write here? i don't get it.. kara's flowers is soo good
i agree with u sweet, i love this song its my abso fave! karas flowers are great :)
I think this song is deeper than everyone thinks. I think it's about someone, possibly a teen, who is ignored, and he thinks no one cares. However, there is one person who does, and tries to show him more people do, but in the end, the kid kind of goes mental and rampages and kills a bunch of people, then himself, and feels splendid afterwards. Hence, Captain Splendid.
I could be wrong, but my interpretation is just, I assures you. :)
I agree. This song is realy deep once you actually listen to the lyrics. I love this song and Kara's flowers. I think it could br to do with a teen.. but i think that it is to do with a war maybe and maybe there are children involved trying to protect themselves and dying for their land hence,
'And the kids in the sand struggled deep hand in hand All the way from the bay I could hear them say I don't care if we're dead I am Captain Splendid' i dont know if im right but thats the impression i get.
I think the opening sounds similar to RHCP's "Under The Bridge" or is it just me