I woke with a start today, determinations are set
Filled with expectation
Sacks of soul to collect

But I am so fearful of the future
Ignorant of the present
And wary of the past

Through the door
Shuffle quietly down the hall
Identical corridors and artificial lights

The man in the box, born to set my world to rights
Effortlessly soon ignites the screaming in my head

Reborn, the catalyst will blow my joy away
Bet you thought that I'd have so much more to say

Can't save me now
Can't save me now

But I am so fearful of the future
Ignorant of the present
And wary of the past

Well I don't want to
But it's now a case of have to
I'll piss away for pittance
Suck up to the man

No wonder I'm tired when I awoke with a start today


Lyrics submitted by UN5ANE

Catalyst Lyrics as written by Mark John Heron Jonathan Ross Ellis

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Catalyst song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

10 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +1
    General Comment

    i think it's about mundane daily life, and no matter how hard he tries to have a good day, it gets screwed up by his boss, his jackass coworkers, something like that. his future seems blank, his present seems pointless, and his past is pathetic too.

    atomsplitteron November 27, 2006   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Standing On The Edge Of Summer
Thursday
In regards to the meaning of this song: Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.” That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
Album art
Dreamwalker
Silent Planet
I think much like another song “Anti-Matter” (that's also on the same album as this song), this one is also is inspired by a horrifying van crash the band experienced on Nov 3, 2022. This, much like the other track, sounds like it's an extension what they shared while huddled in the wreckage, as they helped frontman Garrett Russell stem the bleeding from his head wound while he was under the temporary effects of a concussion. The track speaks of where the mind goes at the most desperate & desolate of times, when it just about slips away to all but disconnect itself, and the aftermath.
Album art
Just A Little Lovin'
Dusty Springfield
I don't think it's necessarily about sex. It's about wanting to start the day with some love and affection. Maybe a warm cuddle. I'm not alone in interpreting it that way! For example: "'Just a Little Lovin’ is a timeless country song originally recorded by Eddy Arnold in 1954. The song, written by Eddie Miller and Jimmy Campbell, explores the delicate nuances of love and showcases Arnold’s emotive vocals. It delves into the universal theme of love and how even the smallest gesture of affection can have a profound impact on our lives." https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-just-a-little-lovin-by-eddy-arnold/
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.
Album art
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.