Album: Narrow Stairs (2008)
Play Video
  • 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 Writer/s: Benjamin Gibbard
    Publisher: BMG Rights Management
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Richard Marx

Richard MarxSongwriter Interviews

Richard explains how Joe Walsh kickstarted his career, and why he chose Hazard, Nebraska for a hit.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.