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Death Cab for Cutie — Cath
Album: Narrow Stairs
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2161









Released: 2008
Length: 3:46
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Cath...
She stands with a well intentioned man
But she can't relax with his hand on the small of her back
As the flashbulbs burst she holds a smile
Like someone would hold a crying child

Soon everybody will ask what became of you
'Cos your heart was dying fast
And you didn't know what to do

Cath...
It seemed that you live in someone else's dream
In a hand-me-down wedding dress
With the things that could have been are repressed
But you said your vows and you closed the door
On so many men who would've loved you more

Soon everybody will ask what became of you
'Cos 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
And if your hearts were dying that fast
They would have done the same as you
And I would've done the same as you
Comments (168)add comment
Do not ask me why: this one always make me remember of Interstate love Song by Stone Temple Pilots... smells like America's 90 music....
Posted 7 months ago by natius    [ Reply ]
 Hippostar wrote:

Of course she should really be with a "sensitive" dude like you because you understand her.


funny, i read it as a great friend who knows who she loved and why she is settling for someone she doesn't love. am sad for the groom

Posted 11 months ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:


That may be the first time I saw that criticism here.  Usually it's "this singer mumbles" or "doesn't enunciate".


Except for Gibbard's habit of eliding an ending  "t" with the word "you" 
So , "that you"  becomes "tha chew". 
Sorry. Maybe you'll never be able to un-hear it.
Posted 1 year ago by topleftcorner    [ Reply ]
 Relayer wrote:

Great lyrics, captures what I have seen on many occasions; a woman who settled for so much less than she deserves in love.  




 been there.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 a_geek wrote:

Pardon me, but who is this "Cath" the song is about, and what did she do?



idk, maybe she left him, killed him, died or killed herself? i wish i knew.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 lathyris wrote:

Just need to add this: Heathcliff was an ass.




 great comment.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Made an entire song about his catheter - he must really be fond of it.
Posted 2 years ago by aonley    [ Reply ]
Of course she should really be with a "sensitive" dude like you because you understand her.
Posted 2 years ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]
I like this song, but my wife's name is Cathi and I cringe whenever this song comes on when we're together.  Ugh.  I love you Cathi.
Posted 2 years ago by unclestupidhead    [ Reply ]
Thanks RP for turning me on to this band! Great tunes!
Posted 2 years ago by lynn01    [ Reply ]
Pardon me, but who is this "Cath" the song is about, and what did she do?
Posted 2 years ago by a_geek    [ Reply ]
 frisbeepilot wrote:

His diction is just too perfect. I can't handle it.



That may be the first time I saw that criticism here.  Usually it's "this singer mumbles" or "doesn't enunciate".
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 pawelcitak83 wrote:

I thought its placebo



Good try
Posted 3 years ago by Pjesnik    [ Reply ]
 Relayer wrote:

Great lyrics, captures what I have seen on many occasions; a woman who settled for so much less than she deserves in love.  

Yeah, the lyrics are pretty tough. Hard to listen to, but in the best sort of way.
c.


Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Great lyrics, captures what I have seen on many occasions; a woman who settled for so much less than she deserves in love.  
Posted 3 years ago by Relayer    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
His diction is just too perfect. I can't handle it.
Posted 3 years ago by frisbeepilot    [ Reply ]
This one is a cross between Stone Temple Pilots and Band of Horses.   Nah, they aint all like that. Just a smoke-filled-air observation.   
Posted 4 years ago by sieversfam    [ Reply ]
Anybody associated with the Bonzo's, in any way, cannot be all bad
Posted 4 years ago by WilliDoc    [ Reply ]
Love this one, especially since it's named after me! 
Posted 4 years ago by cmcisaac    [ Reply ]
 pawelcitak83 wrote:
I thought its placebo
 
LOL
Posted 4 years ago by jelgator    [ Reply ]
too tragic
Posted 4 years ago by jahgirl8    [ Reply ]
Thought it was Modest Mouse until the vocals kicked in
Posted 4 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Took me a long time to come around to these guys, now I love them.  I credit that to Radio Paradise.
Posted 4 years ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
I thought its placebo
Posted 4 years ago by pawelcitak83    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
I'm not a DCfC fan, but this one is special. I'll give it an 8.
 
ditto.

Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
 BCarn wrote:
I always miss knowing about these bands until about 6 years later. wtf??
 
Better late than never!

IMO: This album is especially good!
Posted 5 years ago by LeftShoe    [ Reply ]
I'm not a DCfC fan, but this one is special. I'll give it an 8.
Posted 5 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Great track.


Thanks RP (@BillG) for helping me discover them.
Posted 5 years ago by t0m5k1    [ Reply ]
I always miss knowing about these bands until about 6 years later. wtf??
Posted 5 years ago by BCarn    [ Reply ]
I love the percussion on this one.  I'm happy to get tickets to see them here in January, something to look forward to in the New Year.

edit:  they were great live too.  Monstrous bass shook the venue...
Posted 6 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Posted 6 years ago by Xstar    [ Reply ]
 Ihatethissong wrote:
Not a dcfc fan but I like this one.  It's got more meat on it.  To my ears it sounds a bit Built To Spill-ish.
 
Wouldn't have made that comparison, but yeh, I get it, and like this song more for it. Though not as much as anything that Doug Martsch has written.
Posted 6 years ago by fauxtoejoe    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

Let's add China Grove, Sweet Home Alabama and Bohemian Rhapsody while we're at it.

 
Radar Love
Posted 6 years ago by Spiderwoman    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

No song has been more overplayed than "Stairway To Heaven" — "Free Bird", "Layla" or Pink Floyd's "Money" may be close.
 
Let's add China Grove, Sweet Home Alabama and Bohemian Rhapsody while we're at it.
Posted 7 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 echoes wrote:

I'd say more like Al Stewart.
 
that is spot on.
Posted 7 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
If you like Death Cab for Cutie I highly recommend watching the youtube video of their live set at Bonnaroo Music Festival. Absolutely stunning.
Posted 7 years ago by dragon1952    [ Reply ]
ilikeitalot
Posted 7 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
 coolpeople_rule wrote:
Awesome music paired with great lyrics...so close to Nirvana imho...in their own way.

 
I like them both
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]

Great song! Has anyone heard his side project= The Postal Service?

Awesome awesome awesome


Posted 9 years ago by profoundpronoun    [ Reply ]
 echoes wrote:

I'd say more like Al Stewart.
 
Maybe why I like it.
Posted 9 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Awesome music paired with great lyrics...so close to Nirvana imho...in their own way.
Posted 10 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

No song has been more overplayed than "Stairway To Heaven" — "Free Bird", "Layla" or Pink Floyd's "Money" may be close.


 

can't say I love it, however as a disabled shut in, non com. radio listener this is my first exposer to this tune. I stay on R.P. 24/7. LAYLA, AND MONEY CAN PLAY AS MUCH AS NEEDED, STAIRWAY TO CRAP CAN LEAVE.......{#Dance}
Posted 11 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
I loved seeing Death Cab for Cutie, nail this song live in the studio on this youtube link.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bllo6dHnZ70

{#Drummer}

Posted 11 years ago by einsteinstoe    [ Reply ]
This song by DC I really like....  What's happening??  {#Nyah}
Posted 11 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
I might have to go back and give these guys another go. This is damn good.{#Music}
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Great guitar tone on the intro... 2 amps blended for sure...
Posted 12 years ago by Happy_Monday    [ Reply ]
Just need to add this: Heathcliff was an ass.
Posted 12 years ago by lathyris    [ Reply ]
By far not their best on this album!
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
The most interesting and energetic tune I've heard from this band. I like the 'flam' snare happening during the verse. Quite nice. 
Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 13 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
 echoes wrote:

I'd say more like Al Stewart.


Good call. Definitely hear the similarity.

Posted 13 years ago by cosmiclint    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
I can mute this song in three notes...

(Ya think we can move on now?  This is overplayed more than Stairway to Heaven ever was.)

 
No song has been more overplayed than "Stairway To Heaven" — "Free Bird", "Layla" or Pink Floyd's "Money" may be close.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
One of the very best tracks on the album.  There are a couple of duds which I tend to give the cold shoulder, but Cath stands out.  Excellent story, too.

8.
Posted 14 years ago by auburntigerrich    [ Reply ]
 WayUpNorth wrote:
May have been overplayed at some time in the past, but it sounds awfully good this afternoon {#Sunny}
 
I agree with your comment and with your sunshine smiley!

Posted 14 years ago by daVinci    [ Reply ]
May have been overplayed at some time in the past, but it sounds awfully good this afternoon {#Sunny}
Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
 Valley_Boy wrote:
Anyone else think of the Bluebells when they hear this song?

"Cath, Whoa-o-o, It takes a lot to make me laugh, Whoa-o-o"

Have not heard that song for ages.
 
I uploaded it way back.
It met a sad ending.

Posted 14 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Still gets me off!         {#Music}

Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Death Cab for Cutie's best song....... but the learning curve from here is rather vicious, as they are subjected to the dreaded " New Wimps of the 21st Century's" top spot in competition with Belle & Sebastian.


Posted 14 years ago by j7    [ Reply ]
Anyone else think of the Bluebells when they hear this song?

"Cath, Whoa-o-o, It takes a lot to make me laugh, Whoa-o-o"

Have not heard that song for ages.
Posted 14 years ago by Valley_Boy    [ Reply ]
 adroc wrote:

Go back to programming your Clear Channel station.

 
This is on Clear Channel stations every half hour.  Go listen to it there.

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 Rick_V wrote:
My favorite song of 2008. Amazing arrangement.
 
I agree...a really distinctive track.  8

Posted 15 years ago by iscoot4peace    [ Reply ]
My favorite song of 2008. Amazing arrangement.
Posted 15 years ago by Rick_V    [ Reply ]
cool song. i gave it a 9. {#Drummer}
Posted 15 years ago by hellokitty98    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
I can mute this song in three notes...

(Ya think we can move on now?  This is overplayed more than Stairway to Heaven ever was.)

 
Go back to programming your Clear Channel station.

Posted 15 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
Not their best and WAY overplayed
Posted 15 years ago by raewah    [ Reply ]
 JohnBauer wrote:
Does the voice on this remind anyone of "Yes?"
 
I'd say more like Al Stewart.

Posted 15 years ago by echoes    [ Reply ]
Death Sentence for Death Cab. {#Skull}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
I'm in no way a Death Cab fan, but this one song really makes me put on the headphones and listen for the duration.
Posted 15 years ago by Jared    [ Reply ]
Every time this gets played I have to resist the strong urge to reduce my RP contribution by $5.  Instead I just turn off the stream and try to forget how bloody annoying this band is.

Too bad these folks can't get regular airplay so they get obscenely overplayed here.
Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
Has a sort of Band of Horses feel to it.
Posted 15 years ago by TJS    [ Reply ]
Still not won over...{#Hand}
Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
I've always loved the poetic quality of DC4C's lyrics.
Posted 15 years ago by okelle    [ Reply ]
 drictor wrote:

No way.  I wasn't a Death Cab fan until this last album came out, but pretty much the whole album is really good.  Check it out.

 
same here.

Posted 15 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Same. Was never a fan. But this song won me over.
Posted 15 years ago by derekd    [ Reply ]
 drictor wrote:

No way.  I wasn't a Death Cab fan until this last album came out, but pretty much the whole album is really good.  Check it out.

 
I second that, the album is a strong one. However, I'm still not a great fan of the singer's voice. {#Think}
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
awesome!

 scraig wrote:
Free concert in Santa Barbara tonight! How cool is that!
 


Posted 15 years ago by backasjac    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:

The story is these guys have one song.

 
No way.  I wasn't a Death Cab fan until this last album came out, but pretty much the whole album is really good.  Check it out.

Posted 15 years ago by drictor    [ Reply ]
Free concert in Santa Barbara tonight! How cool is that!
Posted 15 years ago by scraig    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:

Yeah....R-I-G-H-T!   

(What're YOU smokin'?)

 
I guess you don't listen much.

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
 RadioDoc wrote:
(This is overplayed more than Stairway to Heaven ever was.)
 
Yeah....R-I-G-H-T!   

(What're YOU smokin'?)

Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
VOLUME UP
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
 lixy wrote:
Sounds like early Placebo to me.
 
Yep, I'm with you on that.   
 
 
Love the drum/bass combination in this.  Simple but effective.

Posted 15 years ago by ercasul    [ Reply ]
 robco1 wrote:
How many songs about the girl who married someone else has this band penned? Must be a story there . . . {#Ask}
 
The story is these guys have one song.

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I can mute this song in three notes...

(Ya think we can move on now?  This is overplayed more than Stairway to Heaven ever was.)

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
How many songs about the girl who married someone else has this band penned? Must be a story there . . . {#Ask}
Posted 15 years ago by robco1    [ Reply ]
Love the rhythm of this!

Posted 15 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:

Wow, incredible lyrics.  Thanks for posting them!
 
For sure! one of my favorite things about Death Cab is their lyrics.

Posted 15 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
 a_genuine_find wrote:
she stands with a well-intentioned man
But she can't relax with his hand 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

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
But you said your vows, and you closed the door
On so many men who would have loved you more

 
Wow, incredible lyrics.  Thanks for posting them!


Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
she stands with a well-intentioned man
But she can't relax with his hand 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

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
But you said your vows, and you closed the door
On so many men who would have loved you more

Posted 15 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
{#Music} LOVE this song! saw them live in St. Louis (they were awesome live, by the way, if you get a chance, take it) and I've loved this entire album since then.

Posted 15 years ago by TheFriendlyCat    [ Reply ]
Sounds like early Placebo to me.
Posted 15 years ago by lixy    [ Reply ]

Feels a bit like Smashing Pumpkins.


Posted 15 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
 brown1971 wrote:
If Dexter had a band, it would be DCFC. Yes, I feel like their songs are written by a sociopath; they seem emotionally hollow.

Go ahead hate me...

 
done


Posted 15 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Never been a Deathcab fan. But this song won me over. Also heard a great interview with them while travelling in London. Great group of guys with no tude.

Posted 15 years ago by derekd    [ Reply ]
Catchy music; sad lyrics....like most Death Cab songs.  But I like it.

Posted 15 years ago by jakewhite77    [ Reply ]
Growing. On. Me. 7 {#Arrow} 8

Posted 15 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
 lalalisa25 wrote:

YAY! Slovakia!

I have family there... have yet to visit.  Want to very much though.

Ako so mas? {#Smile}
 
Ďakujem, dobre. {#Wink}  I've just upgraded this song's rating from 7 to 8, so that's a good sign.

(I barely noticed your reply. I wish this forum sent email notifications whenever a reply is posted to a song that you've already commented upon. There aren't any such notifications here, I'm afraid?! No lively discussion and exchange of opinions can really take place unless you're notified of new replies...) {#Sad}


Posted 15 years ago by Faterson    [ Reply ]
brown1971 wrote:
Yes, I feel like their songs are written by a sociopath; they seem emotionally hollow.
Those two traits are not mutually exclusive.  Play-by-numbers, sterile arrangements with shallow "lite FM" lyrics.  About as cynically commercial as you can get.


Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
jagdriver
(The aptly-named Grass Valley, CA)
Posted: Oct 31, 2008 - 12:32 < Reply | Edit | Delete >
 jagdriver wrote: Just a sucker for power chords...
 
{#Iamwithstupid}
{#Iamwithstupid}
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
If Dexter had a band, it would be DCFC. Yes, I feel like their songs are written by a sociopath; they seem emotionally hollow.

Go ahead hate me...

Posted 15 years ago by brown1971    [ Reply ]
 Faterson wrote:
<>

ROFL! I usually argue with myself, but it's nice to see some inner harmony around here. (On-topic: a good song, currently a 7 for me, with 8 not impossible at a later point in time.)

 
YAY! Slovakia!

I have family there... have yet to visit.  Want to very much though.

Ako so mas? {#Smile}
Posted 15 years ago by lalalisa25    [ Reply ]
Great song, great CD, great group.{#Clap}
Posted 15 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
 greener wrote:
Wait, did you just quote yourself?

 AliGator wrote:

Um, yeah. Ditto.

 
 
I did!

Posted 15 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
I learned to play this over the past few days.  Helps in my appreciation.   So ... from a 9 to a 10.


Posted 15 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]

"Cath..." is my favorite song of 2008. Incredible arrangement.


Posted 16 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
Guitar work on this reminds me a lot of Smashing Pumkins Siamese Dream - an enduring album of the late 90s, IMHO.
Posted 16 years ago by Xuli    [ Reply ]
 greener wrote:
Wait, did you just quote yourself?

 AliGator wrote:

Um, yeah. Ditto.

 
 
{#Lol}

i love that she did that!! but i'll quote her too. um, yeah, ditto.

Posted 16 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
<<Wait, did you just quote yourself?>>

ROFL! I usually argue with myself, but it's nice to see some inner harmony around here. (On-topic: a good song, currently a 7 for me, with 8 not impossible at a later point in time.)

Posted 16 years ago by Faterson    [ Reply ]
 jagdriver wrote:
Just a sucker for power chords...
 
{#Iamwithstupid}

Posted 16 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Wait, did you just quote yourself?

 AliGator wrote:

Um, yeah. Ditto.

 


Posted 16 years ago by greener    [ Reply ]
Powerful song.  As a woman I understand.
Posted 16 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]
 AliGator wrote:
This song is really growing on me, and I mean that in a good way.
 
Just the opposite here... I am getting really sick of this song despite originally liking it.

Posted 16 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
 AliGator wrote:
This song is really growing on me, and I mean that in a good way.
 
Um, yeah. Ditto.

Posted 16 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
Quite good
Posted 16 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]

What's up with everything I've heard on this new DCFC being so good? I've always kinda dug 'em, but this new stuff is REALLY good.


Posted 16 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
This song is really growing on me, and I mean that in a good way.
Posted 16 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
Alpine wrote:

Yeah, somebody's got to keep an eye on me. Might as well be me.



I wish I had your self discipline - I pretty much have to depend on the wife to keep an eye on me. . .

{#Beat}


Posted 16 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
sounds placebo-eske
Posted 16 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
I really enjoy this one   {#Music}
Posted 16 years ago by Deadwing    [ Reply ]