Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Captain Kidd” by Great Big Sea
Captain Kidd by Great Big Sea is a rather somber tale of a sailor’s failed adventure—both literally and metaphorically. The singer describes a sailor, presumably named Captain Kidd, who set out to sea to find treasure, but failed in his mission. The opening verse paints a picture of a determined sailor, looking for something that few people have seen before. He was inspired by the bravado of past adventurers, enticed by the unknown and longing for wealth and power.
The chorus hints at the sailor’s downheartedness after his failure. He wonders what could have been had he been a little smarter, more astute, or perhaps more fortunate. He now sails aimlessly, searching for something and nothing, perhaps in pursuit of a dream that he will never find.
The second verse further illuminates the tragedy of Captain Kidd’s ill-fated journey. He finds only poverty and loss, instead of the gold and diamonds he yearned for. Here we witness the demise of the sailor, unable to save himself and his crew from this pitiful ruin.
The closing refrain is a sobering summation of the sailor’s journey that conveys both regret and admiration. He recognizes the risks he took, and realizes that he can never be the same man. He realizes that he did not get what he sought but within this loss lies the immense bravery and fortitude of Captain Kidd.
Throughout the entire song, we feel the melancholy of this unknown fate, and learn a lesson from Captain Kidd’s story. The most important lesson is never to forget that even in the face of tragedy, heroism and courage remain.