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


Lyrics submitted by Si_duffers, edited by alhirzel

Cath... [Album Version] Lyrics as written by Benjamin Gibbard

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

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Cath... song meanings
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  • +2
    General Comment

    It's a song, not only about failed love, but generally settling for second best in life. It's about social pressuring to commit to an act, and so one gets lost in this act, rather than in the point and true meaning of the act.

    I think the song, besides the obvious, is also an outward plea for everybody to commit to honest integrity in their actions, and to exercise the freedom they have to make decisions that make them the most happy.

    harryjj0on January 16, 2009   Link

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