LA lights never shine quite as bright as in the movies
Still wanna go 'cause something here in the way,
In the way that we're constantly moving
Reminds you of home

So you're taking these pills for to fill up your soul
And you're drinking them down with cheap alcohol
And I'd be inclined to be yours for the taking
And part of this terrible mess that you're making
But me, I'm the catalyst

When you say love is a simple chemical reaction
Can't say I agree, 'cause my chemical
Left me a beautiful disaster
Still love's all I see

So I'm taking these pills for to fill up my soul
And I'm drinking them down with cheap alcohol
And you'd be inclined to be mine for the taking
And part of this terrible mess that I'm making
But you, you're the catalyst

You'll be the vein, you'll be the pain, you'll be the scar
You'll be the road rolling bellow the wheels of a car
And all of the thoughts, oh god
Don’t know if I’m strong enough now
You’ll be the vein, you’ll be the pain, you’ll be the catalyst

These L.A. lights, no, no,
They don’t shine quite as bright as back in Frisco
Do you wanna, though?
Still wanna go?



Lyrics submitted by thegirlmostlovely, edited by Elluna

Track duration: 03:39


Catalyst song meanings
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33 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I don't think it's exactly about moving away. "They don't shine as brightly" could simply be a reflection of the relationship. She loves someone and he seems to love her back but then things go wrong and he messes her around and gets depressed and takes drugs but she can't tell hum to stop because she loves him too much. She's the "catalyst" of it all and she knows it but she still can't stop. And as he sinks lower and ruins their relationship she stands and takes it all and eventually he pushes her into a depression that forces her to take drugs as well. And she still loves him throughout.

    Well that's how i saw it, it's probably completely wrong but it's not about right or wrong i guess it's about what you get from the song.
    Flagged meow456on November 29, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Defined : Chemistry. a substance that causes or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected.

    Because she said, "Chemical reaction" in the second verse she is indeed alluding back to calling him and herself a(the) catalyst.

    From my perspective... Love in the movies. It's quite different than it is in real life. They are catalysts for each others addictions. In the end she asks again if they want to be in love.
    Flag Tiffanympmon October 24, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I believe that she thinks that she is the reason her friend/partner started drinking and taking pills, and she thinks that her friend/partner led her to self-destruct. Basically, she thinks they aren't good for each other.
    Flag FaerietaleDreamson September 21, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:First off, wrong lyrics:
    You�ll be the vein not You�ll be the thing
    You�ll be the pain
    You�ll be the scar not You�ll be the star
    You�ll be the road, rolling below
    The wheels of a car
    And all of the thoughts, oh god
    Don�t know if I�m strong enough no not Don�t know if I�m strong enough now

    That being said, this, along with all the songs on her Wreck of the Day album are among my favorite, I dunno how I could've gotten through the tail end of my teenage years without her lyrics. I can so relate to this song. It reminds me of this guy who I gave myself too and he hurt me, then he came back and wondered what happened. I changed a lot and ended up hurting people, and even though I knew he was bad for me, I still wanted him. Even though I knew he wouldn't stay, I still wanted him. My reason, stupid as it was being, he was my first. I agree with what Pandorafox says, couldn't say it better myself.
    Flag ClassicOverachiever11on April 23, 2009   Link
  • 0
    My Interpretation:Alright, here's how I interpret this song.
    I think that the beginning is about a relationship with someone who was having a rough time, and he brought her down with him. And she thinks that she causes his pain- but he thinks she's just a part of the "beautiful mess" that he's making - which would make it his fault, really.
    And in the second part of the song, she has gotten hurt from this past relationship, and now she's doing the same thing he did to her to someone else.
    And even when she's getting better, he'll be the one who always can bring her back down - the "catalyst."
    But she still wants him anyway.
    Sorry, that was more in rant-format than anything else and therefore probably made rather little sense.
    I'd edit it, but I've got an essay to write by tomorrow morning.
    Flag pandorasfox999on March 22, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think this song is about a girl who gets involved with a guy who is into drugs and in the end, he drags her down...he seems unaffected but she then find she needs the alcohol and drugs! Beautiful song, as always by the lovely Ms. Nalick!
    Flag Rocklovinggirlon February 24, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I have to agree with heytheredelilah on the meaning. It may have to do with L.A. but to me, I feel like it's about two people in a relationship but bring out each other's worst qualities meaning that they each experiment with various problems and issues because of the other person.
    Flag beautifulletdownon August 24, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think the lyrics is supposed to be
    " You'll be the vein"
    not " you'll be the thing"

    but this is a very sad and pretty song
    Flag dicobby2on June 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Beautiful song
    Flag dicobby2on June 23, 2008   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:every song that i heard by are absolutly beautiful and her voice is very beautiful
    Flag topaz-eyeson December 31, 2007   Link

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