The Everly Brothers' song "Captain, Captain" tells the story of a young man who is contemplating his duty to his country and the potential sacrifices he may have to make in serving in the military. The lyrics imply that the young man is considering enlisting in the army to defend his country's honor, but he questions whether it is fair or just for the young to have to die in order to save the older generation. The song begins with the young man expressing his willingness to follow the captain's orders and uphold his country's honor. However, he asks the captain if it is truly the duty of the young to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the old. The young man's uncertainty and fear are reflected in the emotions of his family members. His mother is shown as quietly crying and praying for him at night, fearing for his safety. His father, although appearing proud, is described as internally fearful. The young man's sister is naive to the realities of war, smiling at the young men who may be sent to fight, unaware of the true consequences. Lastly, his little brother, still innocent, plays at being a soldier, unaware of the harsh reality he may eventually face. The lyrics then highlight the impact of past wars on the young man's family. His grandfather died in World War One, and his uncle died in World War Two. However, nobody from their family has died in the recent Korean War, leading the young man to feel that the family is "overdue" for a tragedy. This underscores his apprehension about potentially enlisting. The song concludes with the young man expressing his desire to live and return home safely. He yearns for a peaceful life, finding love, and starting a family. The repeated question to the captain throughout the song reflects the young man's uncertainty and plea for understanding about the sacrifices expected of the young during times of conflict. In summary, "Captain, Captain" by The Everly Brothers delves into the internal struggle of a young man wrestling with the idea of duty, sacrifice, and the fairness of war. It reflects the emotions and concerns of many young people during times of conflict, exploring the human toll and the desire for a peaceful and fulfilling life.
