Capricorn

Album: Only God Was Above Us (2024)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Capricorn" is a wistful and subdued song by Vampire Weekend that reflects on the passage of time and the complexities of existence.

    Capricorn
    The year that you were born
    Finished fast
    And the next one wasn't yours


    Spanning December 21st to January 19th, the astrological sign Capricorn marks the 10th position in the zodiac. Those born in the final weeks, dubbed "December Capricorns," experience a birth year that seems to vanish rapidly, potentially shaping their perception of time and beginnings.
  • Vocalist Ezra Koenig addresses someone here who is full of unease and confusion. The line, "The world looked different when God was on your side," paints a picture of optimism fading, replaced by a bleak reality. Stuck in the tide, this person feels powerless to change their circumstances.

    Hope whispers in the distance: Despite the darkness, "Capricorn" isn't devoid of hope. The line "Good days are comin', not just to die" offers a glimmer of light, urging the listener to persevere. Koenig's soothing "Listen, baby, you don't have to try" suggests accepting the unchangeable while holding onto hope for the future.
  • Vampire Weekend recorded "Capricorn" for their fifth album, Only God Was Above Us. Koenig wrote most of the lyrics for the record in 2019 and 2020 and produced it with his go-to collaborator, Ariel Rechtshaid. It was mixed by Dave Fridmann and mastered by Emily Lazar.
  • Vampire Weekend took the album title from a newspaper headline seen in the 1988 photograph Subway Dream 11 by Steven Siegel.
  • "Capricorn" was released as the lead single from Only God Was Above Us alongside "Gen-X Cops." "Capricorn" is meditative and melodic, with a contemplative tone contrasting with the punk-influenced "Gen-X Cops."
  • In the "Capricorn" video, Vampire Weekend's longtime creative director, Nick Harwood, conjures up the gritty energy and neon-soaked nostalgia of late '80s New York City.
  • Vampire Weekend performed "Capricorn" while appearing as the musical guests on the May 11, 2024, episode of Saturday Night Live. It was the first time the New York band played on the sketch show in 11 years, and their fourth overall.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real Group

Modern A Cappella with Peder Karlsson of The Real GroupSong Writing

The leader of the Modern A Cappella movement talks about the genre.