Sugar Boats by Modest Mouse (Lyrics)

Video: Bimbo's Initiation, Fleischer Studios Talkartoon, 1931
Sugar Boats
This rock of ours is just some big mistake
And we will never know just where we go
Or where we have came from
These veins of mine are now some sort of fuse
And when they light up and my mind blows up
My heart is amused so
This heart of mine is just some sort of map
That doesn't care at all or worry about where the hell you're at
But you're right there
Well, I've been meaning to dismiss you
Yeah I have some plans to dismiss you
So stand by, by, by, by, bye-bye
Wave bye, sugar boats!
As soon as you paint every last grain of sand
As you soon as you paint every star
In the sky, sky, sky, sky, sky, sky
Wave bye, sugar boats!
Well, I’m swatting at mosquitoes as they’re orbiting me
I'm orbiting the sun and this goes on and on and on, you see
This heart of mine is just some broke machine
And when it gets a-goin', and it often gets goin'
It starts blowin' steam
Here we go again!
This rock of ours is just some big mistake
And we will never know just where we go
Or where we have came from
This watch of mine is like some sort of void
Cause when I look in, and I shouldn't look in
I, I see it swallow my time
Oh no, there it goes!
I ain’t getting on no fast plane
Hell, I ain’t getting on no stuffy train
Sugar boats on the Atlantic are fine
The sugar boats, they're just fine
I'll stand on the deck so you could see
I'll stand on the deck you could wave bye, bye, bye, bye
Here's the ghost that goes and waves bye, bye, bye, bye
I'm the ghost that goes and waves bye, bye, bye

[@TheCommanderTitan]

If anyone is curious, the cartoon is Bimbo's Initiation, from 1931.

[@brittanybee9460]

Dr.Capperclawed this video reminds me that cartoons weren't always meant for kids... 😂

[@oopsy444]

Dr.Capperclawed really? I thought it was just their own cartoon made to look old. Was the one of Betty Boop first appearances then or

[@davidburnham5098]

I was JK oopsy

[@LilBoom]

David Burnham is this ur old page

[@williamgendreau6123]

Christopher Bray its called good editing

[@saynotothemeta993]

this could easily pass as an official video for the song. in fact, i thought it was for ages until i had a read through the comments... it just fits so well and every single part of it belongs where it is, brilliant editing!

[@pythonkeeper148]

Some of the first wave of animated cartoons that ever existed were cartoons like these; they were invented before audio systems were, so the entire frames; each one either freshly drawn or copied, would often be drawn in tune to the orchestra that would play in the background of the theatre. Compared to many animations these days which have a more static background, or just aren’t musicals at all; this was all they had for a long while.

[@yoohtoob123]

Woah i didnt know that either, That's awesome

[@jenniemcclements7731]

I thought it was the official video!! LOL

[@corbinpeacock8722]

Honest thought this was an official video at first. It's that well done.

[@jonquist9950]

I discovered that it isn't the official video while reading the comments just now. Lol

[@jackswank3943]

This isn't the official video?

[@ModestMouser]

Sorry to disappoint

[@nicsmith8850]

I thought it was an official video lmao

[@fistticuffs1859]

This chit is bananas

[@davidburnham5098]

I petition to bring back modest mouser.

[@Crosshill]

i never actually think to myself 'hey lets listen to sugar boats i really wanna do that' i just kinda click on it and then i end up replaying it like forever, it has an addictive taste

[@tealoctopus]

Truue

[@briancooley8777]

Satw!!!

[@mr.cheese7291]

And if u listen its VERY depressing

[@friendlytravelagent7784]

I saw the satw profile pic, so I clicked the like button

[@psyighxd5777]

this morning i have chosen to :::)

[@toritay]

this whole album did not deserve even a fraction of the hate it got from the community but i've decided i am no longer hiding my love for it lol

[@chrisandme23]

I didn't even realize it got hate til years later. Loved this album from the start. So many great tracks. "Fan"base can eat shit.

[@cafferacer]

It's rough if you loved the first few records. Then that hit song happened... Whatever. Hipster shite will always eat itself

[@rappingbeaniedog347]

@@cafferacer I'm confused. Are you saying the first few records were so good that this was awful in comparison? Because, I'd say this is still a win considering how good Sugar Boats is.

[@Juber777]

I never listened to critics ever since critics didn't like A Knights Tale, it's a movie made for entertainment value not historical perfect 😅😊 Wait, the community? Oh ... people have always been crazy but it's just how well do they keep it in check.

[@Dogman_35]

I swear to god it was literally _just_ Pistol that got people riled up, and that was basically intentionally meant to sound bad. The album in general is top tier stuff. Especially this one, Ansel, Pups to Dust, and Best Room.

[@azylan]

The video that got me into the Modest Mouse rabbit hole all the way back in middle school. I'm in college now and still listening to Modest Mouse. Thank you.

[@ModestMouser]

You just blew my mind.

[@crakkbone]

That’s cool. I’ve been listening a while too, they got me through a lot.

[@rayward623]

You should check out Tom Waits. He was an inspiration for Issac and is a great artist.

[@oneofakind9995]

Wierd, I also started mines in middle school

[@viper3630]

I also started to listen to Modest Mouse thanks to this video on middle school. Now I am an adult and still listening to!

[@LZCOficial]

Really, this one for me is one of your best jobs here! I really love your style

[@ModestMouser]

Thank you.

[@brandongeovani2394]

jajaja, que pedo, que sorpresa y si esta muy bueno

[@ED-bf1if]

+La Zona Cero Que sorpresa encontrarte por aquí Chucho. Tienes buen gusto ;) jaja.

[@absurdrhino]

If you mean art style, he didn't animate this, this is a spin off show from Betty Boop back in the 50's or some shit

[@inixreyesguzman9042]

La Zona Cero No esperaba verte aquí Chucho

[@bassbich]

This comes from a person who really understands Modest Mouse.

[@Kingspadeb]

Timo Abschcholtshoff Absolutely. I can't even get into how Rick and Morty iq 200 this video is. But trolling aside, it's actually pretty deep. The marathon of life and how shit it is all the time. But if you make it out of the sess pool there is basically a million Betty boop waiting to gobble your knobs

[@Crosshill]

i cant even describe how this song video lyrics just somehow matches my entire state of mind, which i am equally unable to describe farcical, wry, aloof, dazed, spiraling towards chaos yet never changing, delirium, resignation, acceptance, buoyancy, repetition, overwhelmed, "okay, this is fine" i guess if anyone can do better go ahead lol

[@isaac5990]

I thought this was the Modest Mouse music channel.

[@ModestMouser]

Sorry

[@isaac5990]

@@ModestMouser It's fine, I meant it as a compliment, that the video was so good I thought that it was created by the band itsself

[@sccott8269]

*_W A N N A B E A M E M B E R ?_*

[@ModestMouser]

+Nepsii NO!!

[@ChrisKunix]

NO!!

[@scottwashere4047]

*N O!!*

[@vanessapowell7834]

Yes!!!!!!

[@riemergreidanus8123]

NO

[@ericdykstra4545]

I've seen this videos hundreds of times and every time I'm in awe of the amounting of editing and dedication went into making this

[@danbobski5225]

Gotta love the reflections of the lyrics in the mirror at 2:26, a detail that I missed the first fifty views

[@niagarawarrior9623]

until i read the comments i didnt know this was a unofficial video ( after 15 views ) this is REALLY well done. i agree with the positive comments below, Creator, you deserve recognition.

[@ModestMouser]

Visitor, you deserve a "thank you" and a big ol' Mouser Smooch™

[@naktura7409]

Ya, I'm not sure how he/she managed to find such perfect footage to match the song. Nevermind the fact that it is a very old cartoon, so the creator probably had to dig rather deep to find it.

[@mudkips99]

Modest Mouser what's the cartoon for this, I love the dog lol

[@devdev2766]

Nak tura it's called editing. not all parts of the original cartoon has been shown in this edit.

[@devdev2766]

mudkips99 it's called Bimbos Initiation

[@elainejsta]

Bimbo’s Initiation goes surprisingly well with this

[@kianr2200]

I still can’t believe the animation wasn’t made for this song. The editing is amazing, it’s on time, works with each part of the song etc. not to mention, smoke passes over the lyrics or he runs infront of the lyrics, and they fade behind. It looks like the lyrics were part of the original animation. Well done all around and of course amazing taste in music ;)

[@Robeban2]

Wanna be a member? Wanna be a member?

[@darkartsdabbler2407]

Robeban2 NO!

[@peridot4377]

nO

[@cvspalace]

Robeban2 n0

[@oskartheguy2105]

UNLESS I GET A CLONE ARMY OF BETTY BOOPS, NO!

[@oliviakate122]

NOOO!

[@DEATHMOONPRODUCTIONS]

The creator of this cartoon is truly the master of animation... Rest in peace Fleischer

[@coltonmiller9363]

modest mouse, to me, is a shining example of a band that cares about their music. the passion And soul put into their music is unrivalled! truly my favorite band! I missed the show In okc, but last July I caught them in Missoula, mo. I fucking love modest mouse!

[@SabrinaUmstead]

Man I can't get over how frickin rad this video is. Such great touches to move the lyrics upside down, all around, and bounce to the beat. The old scenes really add to the vibe and trips me out. Love it.

[@sunshineandstarlight]

Sweet Work, Right?

[@Azbests]

My first track by Modest mouse, instant crush (still in the top-5, I suppose). Honestly thought for a year or so that this is a legit clip. To Mouser, the guy who showed me one of the best American indie-rock bands - my respects.

[@antonioelpro27]

Oh 2-d

[@mplusgstudios]

Modest mouse and gorillaz has to be the best taste in history tbh

[@Azbests]

@@mplusgstudios Well, thank you, old spot! My thoughts exactly.

[@billiondollardan]

he had the most poignant video for edit the sad parts but i think youtube made him take it down. it would be nice if he could have a rumble channel or something

[@Tydorell]

Time to time I come back to this video which introduced me into Modest Mouse. I'll always be in debt with this channel and it's amazing lyric videos.

[@MatthewZimmerman-om5yi]

Man, I was here when this video was just posted, within seconds. Was obsessed with Modest Mouse at the time. Crazy how life changes....love you all.

[@demetriusdemarcusbartholom276]

Lyrics: This rock of ours is just some big mistake And we will never know just where we go Or where we have came from These veins of mine are now some sort of fuse And when they light up and my mind blows up My heart is amused so This heart of mine is just some sort of map That doesn't care at all or worry about where the hell you're at But you're right there Well, I've been meaning to dismiss you Yeah I have some plans to dismiss you So stand by, by, by, by, bye-bye Wave bye, sugar boats! As soon as you paint every last grain of sand As you soon as you paint every star In the sky, sky, sky, sky, sky, sky Wave bye, sugar boats! Well, I’m swatting at mosquitoes as they’re orbiting me I'm orbiting the sun and this goes on and on and on, you see This heart of mine is just some broke machine And when it gets a-goin', and it often gets goin' It starts blowin' steam Here we go again! This rock of ours is just some big mistake And we will never know just where we go Or where we have came from This watch of mine is like some sort of void Cause when I look in, and I shouldn't look in I, I see it swallow my time Oh no, there it goes! I ain’t getting on no fast plane Hell, I ain’t getting on no stuffy train Sugar boats on the Atlantic are fine The sugar boats, they're just fine I'll stand on the deck so you could see I'll stand on the deck you could wave bye, bye, bye, bye Here's the ghost that goes and waves bye, bye, bye, bye I'm the ghost that goes and waves bye, bye, bye

[@alexanderchobanyan3309]

My very first MM song.Thank you Modest Mouser for getting me into my new favorite band! :)

[@ModestMouser]

+Alex Cho Awwww. This is cute. Thanks for stopping by, Alex.

[@righteousrat]

New? Oh boy, youre in for a treat, my friend.

[@the.watcher.84]

These lyrics are words to live by .

[@chrisgenovese8188]

I've watched this countless times since it was first published. It's perfect in every way.

[@dillonoakes420]

This will always be my official video for this particular song ;)

[@williamgendreau6123]

Dillon Oakes this isn't official.

[@m3rl1n97]

You morons reread the comment again -_-

[@tartaruganinjas]

Almost didn't remember the name, i found like the first time searching dummy things "ghost music" so happy that this worked, was trying to find since 2020

[@jenniemcclements7731]

Haha funny

[@paulrus-keaton439]

I've seen the original toon, and I'm amazed how well it syncs up with only a couple cuts! Kudos!

[@dwmarvin]

I don't think I've ever commented on a KZbin video, but I had to. Great work on this. And since there's no official video yet for Sugar Boats, Modest Mouse and Sony would be wise to get the rights to this cartoon footage and pay you for your efforts. Great job, man.

[@ModestMouser]

Dan Marvin Haha. That'd be cool.

[@vernsberetvernsberet2481]

+Dan Marvin Damn straight...

[@zerozerohero7189]

nice synchronization man..its amazing

[@TheSfrfilms]

Actually, surprisingly, the cartoon, bimbos initiation is, in fact, public domain.

[@katiefrances531]

that's, amazing, tormund, lover668

[@entropyfan264]

Pure genius If you haven't contacted MM's P.R. peeps and sent them this I shall personally....blah blah blah... seriously, this is fantastic work, I have been obsessively enjoying this masterpiece on a daily basis Prost

[@leospencerwithoutascooter6429]

I first thought the cartoon was created for the music video, but seeing how Bimbo’s Initiation really is decades old, I’m really impressed at how well the lyrics sync up. Nice.

[@GodmadeConscious]

Yeah it's mkultra

[@darkbrisco]

It was funny how this was recommended to me right when I was needing somebody to understand. Another great piece.

[@Adrian-qx4ql]

Just found out modest mouse is from issaquah Washington I literally live like 90 miles from there

[@penbailey9677]

this is really cool, man??? this is a really cool use of an old betty boop cartoon. If it wasn't for the fact I knew this was an old betty boop cartoon, I'd probably think it was an official video.

[@Ben-hs1hr]

Lyrics that don’t float: This rock of ours is just some big mistake And we will never know just where we go Or where we have came from These veins of mine are now some sort of fuse And when they light up and my mind blows up My heart is amused so This heart of mine is just some sort of map That doesn't care at all or worry about where the hell you're at But you're right there Well, I've been meaning to dismiss you Yeah I have some plans to dismiss you So stand by, by, by, by, bye-bye Wave bye, sugar boats! As soon as you paint every last grain of sand As you soon as you paint every star In the sky, sky, sky, sky, sky, sky Wave bye, sugar boats! Well, I'm swatting at mosquitoes as they're orbiting me I'm orbiting the sun and this goes on and on and on, you see This heart of mine is just some broke machine And when it gets a-goin', and it often gets goin' It starts blowin' steam Here we go again! This rock of ours is just some big mistake And we will never know just where we go Or where we have came from This watch of mine is like some sort of void Cause when I look in, and I shouldn't look in I, I see it swallow my time Oh no, there it goes! I ain't getting on no fast plane Hell, I ain't getting on no stuffy train Sugar boats on the Atlantic are fine The sugar boats, they're just fine I'll stand on the deck so you could see I'll stand on the deck you could wave bye, bye, bye, bye Here's the ghost that goes and waves bye, bye, bye, bye I'm the ghost that goes and waves bye, bye, bye

[@jose2226]

the lyrics are on the screen as well as in the description you cow 😂

[@Ben-hs1hr]

Oh I didn’t saw that😂

[@Ben-hs1hr]

But 5 others didn’t saw it as well so I guess it’s ok

[@jose2226]

@@Ben-hs1hr you're right it's okay i just find it funny :)

[@mistamemewide]

God I love the uneasiness of Modest Mouse. I’m trying to become a photographer, and music along with other pop culture really inspires my photos, form Death Stranding to The Twilight Zone, I love the uneasiness and gloom aesthetic of this. Modest Mouse is really my favorite band because sometimes it’s just them having an uneasy feeling in their songs, and it inspires me.

[@nicholasroosa]

You mean theres a chance this might get taken down??? This is a work of art, please let me it stay!

[@11facehugger]

Nick Roosa Its under fair use

[@anviil1417]

Clockwork Kat KZbin constantly spits in the face of fair use

[@rebuffcardboos1465]

It matches SOOOOO perfectly

[@junkheadrooster]

Dude, pat yourself on the back, man; the text animations and the way the video fits with the song is brilliant. :) What wonderful work!

[@reversecentaur1374]

Everytime I hear a new Modest Mouse song get addictive to it for a month straight everytime

[@zombieleaf]

Holy crap! Ive been coming back to this video all year and I only just realized this isnt the official video! Seriously great stuff!

[@TrevorGarford]

i know. the creator of this video should be well recognised. and will be i reckon.

[@ManicMechanic82]

One of the best videos to one of the best songs ever. Long live Modest Mouse!

[@keycrets8876]

You are a master of your craft of making modest mouse videos, you capture the vibe perfectly. Keep it up brother you

[@snakeatno-snakehotel3013]

I first started to watch Modest Mouse after hearing it in a Map (Multi-Animator Project) and now im still here listening. Modest Mouse is just so talented. ^^

[@seansean561]

This is the best auditory and visual representation of extremely heightened anxiety or having a panic attack I've ever seen. I send this to people when they ask what it's like. Thank you

[@MySweetBijou]

It continues to blow me away that this video wasn't made for this song. Everything fits so fucking well, and it didn't even need to be re-ordered at all, just sped up from the original a bit (and maybe some other editing for pacing/timing, but still). The lyrics edited in are impressive, and put in with so much love and attention to detail. The way the letters are a different color behind the fire at 1:46, like, dude. What a work of love. I'm SO GLAD someone out there realized how well this song could go with this animation and put forth the effort to make it happen. One of my favorite videos, and honestly would fit just fine as an official video.

[@clairehaby7586]

"This heart of mine is just some broke machine ... and when it gets a goin' and it often gets a goin'...it starts blowin' steam!" ❤ new MM

[@JoelErhart]

Excellent return of a classic cartoon. Very addictive.

[@Ztimes22]

I thought this was the official video for so long... oh man... modest mouser... you are incredible... just checking all your other vids now. Amazing!

[@oldoutlet6946]

I need to thank this video for introducing me to one of the greatest indie rock bands of all time. I don't know where I'd be without their music today.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

This and Pistol are probably my favorites off StO. The album really had to grow on me - I think that's true with all of their stuff, a lot of MM fans are fans that've never experienced the build-up and release of a new album from them and I think that's where some of the backlash came from that I've experienced - they don't realize that it's a slow but rewarding burn. You need to have time to associate memories of your own life with these songs - once you do you'll never forget them and you'll love the album like the other bits of their discog.

[@gamegrifter4682]

This has to be one of the greatest guitar riffs ever!

[@neonnoodle2153]

I love this song but the animation makes it's perfect I would like this with some older mouse songs like truckers atlas, parting of the sensory, gravity rides everything given the same treatment modest mouse seems a good fit for classic animation

[@ryandooner1440]

This song has such a frantic energy and I love it!!

[@Purin95]

I just wanna say that your content is easily some of the best I've seen on KZbin and I've been on here since the site began. I feel like I consciously understand these music videos on a deeper level in a way that you must also in order to have been able to create them. Thank you for creating this and I hope you make more, otherwise you might just have to show me how to make them myself.

[@durkadurka1926]

Still one of the greatest videos I've ever seen, after countless views. Thank you so much

[@nigelnoise3838]

Such a fucking amazing job on the video and timing.

[@pjc1954]

Well now, that's the best 4 mins entertainment I've had in a very long time!

[@cashc4434]

today I learned that this isn't official. This is really simple yet so well made

[@stinsoncal8393]

One of my favorites from Modest Mouse!

[@dogistyping1211]

if I see another cuphead mention I'm gonna lose it

[@ModestMouser]

+Hayned Da Derpasur Are you gonna lose your (cup)head?

[@dogistyping1211]

Well played XD

[@ModestMouser]

+Hayned Da Derpasur Hehe. In all fairness, while the cuphead references are annoying, they bring lots of traffic to the channel. And it’s a beautiful game.

[@dogistyping1211]

Modest Mouser point taken its a fun game but like every good game comes a horrible fan base

[@GoldieTamamo]

*Bendy & The Ink Machine mention instead*

[@DireBowser]

As a celebration for their newest album, I'm coming through all my favorite songs from each album.

[@cincinnatus86]

this is sick. when he slid the music went with it and when he was singing bye repetitively the doors opened repetitively. cool video

[@greylynxsplash]

The animation fits the music really well

[@iloveshaggz]

This song with this video is just beyond perfect

[@CatCooties03]

Dude this is amazing good golly. You should totally do a Third Planet video i would love to see that.

[@Burritobib]

I would too.

[@gabrielsb3419]

Indeed. After the excellent version of Bukowski, Third Planet would be nice to see

[@broadieworth]

So much Truth! These guys have it figured out! Our hearts are powerful, but need direction which is a yellow brick road

[@xylotobryte]

All of your videos are fantastic, please keep making more!

[@tizbit_vrc]

This animation perfectly represents what my ocd and anxiety together feels like. I couldn't watch this enough.

[@Y-two-K]

perhaps the coolest fan made music videos I've ever seen. great job!

[@leighocities]

I realized only a year after seeing this video that it wasn’t officially uploaded

[@red_y2k]

God damn this cuphead gameplay is fucking amazing

[@dogistyping1211]

this cartoon was actually made in 1931 the text was added in perfectly though

[@toasterofdoom9629]

Sarcasm eludes you like i elude bathtubs

[@edbwolf]

Bruh, for years i'm listening this amazing music

[@righteousrat]

what an amazing video.

[@AndrewDButts]

You're doing the lord's work with these videos. Honestly, great job!

[@pogowhat]

Don't normally comment on videos, but just wanted to let you know you did an awesome job with this.

[@gotenksta]

I hope this video never gets taken down.

[@ModestMouser]

Same

[@BradyGalloway]

1:00 SWIGGITY SWOOTY coming for that BOOTY

[@davidklatzl9405]

3:46 When she is ready

[@Rainbowsyoungersister]

I remember watching this years ago, maybe when I was little or so. This is so nostalgic! :3

[@marcolse8925]

this is perfect music: 10/10 lyrics:9/10

[@sernasolisluiseduardo6382]

I remember when this was new, now I feel old. Been a Modest Mouse fan for so far that now feels like centuries ago.

[@keithvanetten7428]

great song, and an impressive video mouser!

[@emojo5329]

Dude, I watched this video for the first time four years ago, tried to look it up later, but I couldn't find it, and I finally found it...

[@butteredpopcrn3591]

JESUS this is amazing!

[@spitsoup911]

I FINALLY FOUND THIS SONG. I was obsessed with it years ago and like 2 years ago I started to search for it and I found it today by mistake

[@HexStickman]

This is great! Amazing video.

[@krainkelli]

I didn’t know I needed this in my life but I’ve been educated now

[@isabellejoestar2455]

2:29 You can see he put effort when you notice he even made the lyrics in the mirror

[@lcddrownd874]

Am I the only one who thinks old cartoons like this are unnerving?

[@th1nkfloyd]

This video is amazing! Nicely done

[@ModestMouser]

Thank you, Megan Nelson

[@autismisntevil9842]

People sleep on this song hard. The album isnt very good but this damn song is grand and heavy.

[@Mr.Boomslang]

me encanta tanto la musica como la animación

[@thedukeofdorks6001]

The timing and quality of this vid still blows my mind.

[@tylarcleveland265]

i love the music vid man, it's not often that someone puts this much effort in a lyric video and i want you to know that that effort hasn't been unnoticed. that said the video and music is so much better if you put it 1.25 times speed.

[@ROBOGHOSTDUDE]

You know the animation was made in the 1930s right? Its called Bimbos initiation if you didn't know

[@thisoreoisqueen5944]

TRY PUTTING IT IN *2x*

[@dylanestep8158]

Its 2022 and ive been listening to this song since it came out! Forever will love this.

[@ClassicSternFan]

This is a really good video I don't really get what's going on too much but it's very well done

[@kassidyschmidlapp4993]

this video is so well-made, I always come back to it. Amazing work!

[@Cause-yj6ro]

The video itself is actually really deep.

[@ThatLittleKitten]

Holy cow this is really well edited!

[@2Minihats]

Could be one of my favorite songs by MM