The Captain and the Kid

Album: Down To Earth (1970)
Play Video
  • 1970 Version

    I never used to miss the chance to climb up on his knee
    And listen to the many tales of life upon the sea.
    We'd go sailing back on Barkentines we'd talk of things he did
    Tomorrow just a day away for the Captain and the kid

    His world had gone from sailing ships to raking mom's backyard
    He never could adjust to land although he tried so hard
    We both were growing older then and wiser with the years
    That's when I came to understand the course his heart still steers

    He died about a month ago while winter filled the air
    And though I cried I was so proud to love a man so rare
    He's somewhere on the ocean now that's where he oughta be
    With one hand on the starboard rail he's wavin' back at me

    I never used to miss the chance to climb up on his knee
    And listen to the many tales of life upon the sea
    We'd go sailing back on Barkentines we'd talk of things he did
    The world was just a day away for the Captain and the kid

    Writer/s: Jimmy Buffett
    Publisher: Hipgnosis Songs Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 5

  • Rev. K. from DallasThis is one of my all-time favorite Buffett songs although, admittedly, it's one that only die-hard Buffett fans usually know about. What a touching tribute to the man who first set Buffett on the sea, and which created his world-wide tour/career "of life-upon-the-sea."
  • Hugh Mcphee from Wick, United KingdomGreat song. Perhaps a wee bit more obscure than the favourites like Margaritaville, et all.
  • Cage from Boston, MaJust want to reiterate that this is a beautiful song about his "grandfather"
  • Patrick from Philadelphia, PaBuffett often tells the story that when he first was shopping this song around that a record executive told him that it was too sad and that he would have to change the ending so that "The Captain" didn't die at the end. Buffett refused, when asked why he said, "because in the real world he did."
  • Richard from Jefferson, NcActually, it was about his grandfather. See the liner notes in 'Boats Beaches Bars & Ballads'
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."

dUg Pinnick of King's X

dUg Pinnick of King's XSongwriter Interviews

dUg dIgs into his King's X metal classics and his many side projects, including the one with Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

How The Beatles Crafted Killer Choruses

How The Beatles Crafted Killer ChorusesSong Writing

The author of Help! 100 Songwriting, Recording And Career Tips Used By The Beatles, explains how the group crafted their choruses so effectively.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.