Catching Fire

Album: Order In Decline (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Following the suicides of music friends Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington and his own wife's attempt to kill herself, Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley found himself one day sitting at home alone. Feeling lonesome, he reflected on what would have happened if he'd lost his wife. Whibley's melancholic contemplation spurred him to write this twisted love song for her.
  • Whibley wrote the ballad from the perspective of the person who's left behind. In their grief they believe they failed the person who'd passed on and regret that it's too late to do something about it. He said: "Writing this song was cathartic for me in dealing with my emotions for the first time about almost losing my wife to suicide. When I first played it for her, it was the beginning of us having an open conversation about what she went through."
  • Sum 41 released a reimagined version of "Catching Fire" featuring the TikTok creator/musician nothing,nowhere on May 28, 2021. John Asher, who previously directed the clip for "Never There," shot a black-and-white video to accompany the remix. The vision behind the clip is to shine light on suicide prevention and help tackle the stigma behind mental health during Mental Health Awareness Month.

Comments: 1

  • Sum 41 FanI'm sorry for what you went through. I'm going through almost the same situation.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.