Lyric discussion by EdBloom 

Cover art for Right Away, Great Captain! lyrics by Right Away, Great Captain!

I always saw the captain as a metaphor for his artistic ambitions, his drive to make music and express himself. I'm not sure if the whole album fits this interpretation, but I think this song fits pretty well. He's trying to balance his desire for happiness and companionship with his desire to be a great artist, which requires him to be lonely and to explore his unhappiness.