The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Cath, she stands with a well-intentioned man
But she can't relax with his hands on the small of her back
And as the flash bulbs burst
She holds a smile
Like someone would hold
A crying child
And soon everybody will ask what became of you
'Cause your heart was dying fast
And you didn't know what to do
Cath, it seems
That you live in someone else's dream
In a hand-me-down wedding dress
Where the things that could have been are oppressed
You said your vows
And you closed the door
On so many men
Who would have loved you more
And soon everybody will ask what became of you
And your heart was dying fast
And you didn't know what to do
The whispers that it won't last roll up and down the pews
But if their hearts were dying that fast
They'd have done the same as you
And I'd have done the same as you
But she can't relax with his hands on the small of her back
And as the flash bulbs burst
She holds a smile
Like someone would hold
A crying child
And soon everybody will ask what became of you
'Cause your heart was dying fast
And you didn't know what to do
Cath, it seems
That you live in someone else's dream
In a hand-me-down wedding dress
Where the things that could have been are oppressed
You said your vows
And you closed the door
On so many men
Who would have loved you more
And soon everybody will ask what became of you
And your heart was dying fast
And you didn't know what to do
The whispers that it won't last roll up and down the pews
But if their hearts were dying that fast
They'd have done the same as you
And I'd have done the same as you
Lyrics submitted by Si_duffers, edited by alhirzel
Cath... [Album Version] Lyrics as written by Benjamin Gibbard
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I seem to think this song is about a women who is being forced into marriage by an abusive and controlling man-"She stands with a well intentioned man" as he is intent on making her his wife -"But she can't relax with his hands on the small of her back" i reckon this line refers to her being nervous and the man using his hand as a reminder of what will happen if she refuses or tells anyone
"holding a smile like someone would hold a crying child" obviously means its fake, uncomfortable and against her will i.e. she doesn't mean it nor want to be smiling, as she is in fact unhappy.
"closed the door, On so many men who would have loved you more" by marriage she is committing to something with no escape and her future husband does not love her at all, or as much as she deserves to be loved by so many other willing men.
"Soon everybody will ask what became of you"- After marriage her personality will change to suit her husband.
i could go on, but I'm rather modest :P