“Work Like A Captain Play Like A Pirate” was inspired by a sign Captain Matt spotted downstairs at a restaurant and bar along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Upstairs had a dress code, where families could enjoy a nice dinner and some of what their hard work had earned them. When the family meal was over, you could head downstairs, where the neon lights glowed, the drinks flowed, the band played, and everyone was welcome. People arrived by boat, beat-up truck, bike, or on foot. You might find someone still wearing a white collar from work sitting next to someone in swimwear who had just come off the beach.
That is where Captain Matt saw the sign: “Work Like A Captain. Play Like A Pirate.”
The phrase captured the entire scene and became the inspiration for the song: work hard, take care of your responsibilities and your family, then make time to enjoy the life you're working so hard for. Just don't stay out too late, because work comes early the next morning.
As the song puts it: “Up top livin’ right, down low livin’ real.”
SONG CREDITS
Songwriter: Captain Matt
Songwriter IPI/CAE: 01209621474
PRO: BMI
Publisher: Captain Matt
Publisher IPI/CAE: 01209621474
Performing Artist: Captain Matt and The Boatcrew
Producer: Chad Mauldin
Co-Producer: Jackson Mauldin
Arranger: Chad Mauldin
Lead Vocals: Captain Matt
Background Vocals: Samuel "Cloud" Prescott Mancini, Chad Mauldin, Scott Orr, Captain Matt
Captain Matt's Vocal Coach: Samuel "Cloud" Prescott Mancini
Baritone Ukulele: Captain Matt
Acoustic Guitar: Chad Mauldin
Electric / Lead Guitar: Chad Mauldin
Bass: Jackson Mauldin
Drums: Christian Dorn
Percussion: Christian Dorn
Gong: Christian Dorn
Pedal Steel: Milo Deering
Fiddle: Milo Deering
Recording Engineer: Chad Mauldin
Mixing Engineer: Chad Mauldin
Mastering Engineer: Chad Mauldin
Recording Studio: The Historic KSIJ Studio
Studio Irritator: Scott Orr
℗ Sound Recording Owner: Captain Matt Music, LLC
© Copyright Owner: Captain Matt Music, LLC
SPECIAL THANKS
Thanks to all of the #BoatcrewFamily who continue to be the wind in our sails by supporting us along this journey!
A very special thanks to my wife, Rachel, who believed in me when this was nothing more than a crazy dream and has continued to believe in me every step of the way. Thank you for giving me the courage and freedom to chase something that means so much to me, even when that chase takes me away from home.
To my amazing son, Shawn, and my beautiful daughter, Clara, I hope you always know how proud I am to be your dad. Every mile I travel, every stage I walk onto, and every song I sing means a little more because I know who is waiting for me when the show is over.
The three of you are, and always will be, my "Home Port." No matter how far this journey takes me or where the next adventure leads, you are the reason I will always look forward to finding my way home.
The community is the legacy, and we are proud to be your soundtrack.
Lyrics
String lights glow and a Gulf breeze rolls
Cold beer sweatin’ on a bar top soul
Kids cast lines off a splintered deck
Tryin’ their luck in the ICW stretch
Plates piled high, stories flow
From highway dust to boats below
From nine-to-five to the waterline
Everybody shows up right on time
Standin’ there, just feeling the wind
Then I saw that sign, and it pulled me in
Work like a captain (hey), Play like a pirate (ARR)
Hold that line ‘til the daylight’s quiet
When that whistle blows, yeah we cut it loose
Time to shake the salt and steel off these boots
Down those steps where the neon glows
That’s where everybody really goes
The band's on fire boots shuffle on wood
Strangers turn into understood
Pushboats roll through the darken sky
Whiskey talk and cheap red wine
Shut it down ‘fore it gets too late
Charters and plants start at daybreak
World stays heavy up above
Down here we lighten up
Work like a captain (hey), Play like a pirate (ARR)
Raise that glass, yeah we don’t stay silent
Down below where the wild get loud
We raise hell with a saltwater crowd
Come by boat or a beat-up truck
By bike, by foot, don’t matter much
No dress code, no judgment here
Just saltwater souls and Shiner beer
Work like a captain (hey!)
Play like a pirate (ARR)
Work like a captain (hey), play like a pirate (ARR)
Hearts run wild and reignited
When that Gulf wind calls your name
Drop your anchor, lose the pain
Up top livin’ right
Down low livin’ real