Album: Narrow Stairs (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Frontman Ben Gibbard discussed this track with VH1 News: "I wanted to create this character that's going through the motions, not really sure of why they're necessarily doing it because it's just the thing that they have to do at this point and it's expected that they're going to be doing this. It's not necessarily a story about any particular person in my life; it's as much an amalgam of a lot of different elements of how we move forward with our lives and what's expected of us and how we transition into those places."
  • This takes inspiration from the classic novel Wuthering Heights (1847) by Emily Bronte. "Cath" is Catherine Earnshaw, who marries Edgar, a "well-intentioned" man of prominent social status despite being in love with the lower-class ruffian Heathcliff. The music video, directed by Autumn de Wilde, is set during the wedding ceremony, with Beth Riesgraf playing Cath, the bride, and Lukas Haas playing the unwanted guest, Heathcliff.
  • This peaked at #10 on the Modern Rock chart.
  • This was used in the MTV reality series The Hills in the 2008 episode "Boys Make Girls Cry."

Comments: 3

  • Ian from Ragama, Sri Lanka (ceylon)Even the video to this one shows a girl in an alter waiting for the groom..
  • Alex from Pompton Plains, Njthis is my favorite song on narrow stairs. ben's lyrics on this one really hit home especially the line, "and your heart what dying fast and you didn't know what to do" brilliant. this is a truly amazing song.
  • Loren from Duluth, MnWhen I heard this song it made me think of a woman who hurried thru her love life because she thought if she got much older it would be to late. Especially with the lyrics:

    "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 all repressed
    But you said your vows, and you closed the door
    On so many men who would have loved you more"
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Francesca Battistelli

Francesca BattistelliSongwriter Interviews

The 2011 Artist of the Year at the Dove Awards isn't your typical gospel diva, and she thinks that's a good thing.

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Rob Halford of Judas Priest

Rob Halford of Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford dives into some of his Judas Priest lyrics, talking about his most personal songs and the message behind "You've Got Another Thing Comin'."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."