Catatonia was formed in 1992, reputedly after songwriter Mark Roberts heard Cerys busking in Cardiff city centre. They had considerable success, their most famous hits being "Mulder and Scully", "Road Rage" and "Dead From The Waist Down". In September 2001, Cerys announced her departure from Catatonia after bouts of exhaustion and anxiety. Her departure was followed shortly by the breakup of the group.
Cerys is now performing her solo material (which is more folk/ country influenced) .
Not to be confused with the Swedish metal band Katatonia.
Cerys now has a solo album and is working as a DJ for Alternative radio Station BBC 6 Music.
Godspeed
Catatonia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But they all call me Frances
I saw the coast was clear,
Do you mind me being near?
I've seen faces in high places
Messing up for good
Say what am I doing here,
What am I doing here?
What say you're feeling meek,
Saw the writing on the wall
Feels sad and blue
Paradise is close at hand,
In images of elsewhere
I've seen faces in high places
Messing up big style
I log on for company,
My ISP comforts me
Goodbye Godspeed
I can't give you what you need
If I've sounded distant thus far
It's 'cause I'm as lost as you are
Paradise is close at hand,
In images of elsewhere
Goodbye Godspeed,
I can't give you what you need
If I've sounded distant thus far
It's 'cause I'm as lost as you are
Goodbye Godspeed,
I can't give you what you need
If I've sounded distant thus far
It's 'cause I'm as lost as you are
The song Godspeed by Catatonia features a narrator, Mary-Anne aka Frances, who seems to be somewhat lost in life. The opening lines of the song seem to suggest that she is trying to connect with someone or something: "My name is Mary-Anne, But they all call me Frances, I saw the coast was clear, Do you mind me being near?" Despite her attempts to connect, she feels out of place and doesn't know why she is there. She questions her surroundings: "What am I doing here?"
As the song progresses, Mary-Anne/Frances seems to become increasingly isolated and withdrawn. She sees "faces in high places" who are "messing up big style," which suggests that those in positions of power are making mistakes or causing harm. The singer seems to feel powerless to stop them. She seeks comfort in technology, logging on for company and finding comfort in her ISP.
The chorus repeats a few times throughout the song, with slight variations each time. The lines "Goodbye Godspeed, I can't give you what you need, If I've sounded distant thus far, It's 'cause I'm as lost as you are" suggest that the singer is saying goodbye to someone or something called "Godspeed," but that she cannot provide what it needs. She acknowledges that she has been distant and uncommunicative, but this is not intentional - she is just as lost and uncertain as the person/thing she is addressing.
Overall, the song seems to explore feelings of disconnection and uncertainty in the modern world. The use of technology as a means of finding comfort and connection, despite its limitations, is a recurring theme. The singer seems to be searching for meaning and purpose in her life, but feels powerless to effect change in a world where those in power seem to be "messing up big style."
Line by Line Meaning
My name is Mary-Anne,
I am introducing myself as Mary-Anne.
But they all call me Frances
However, everyone calls me Frances.
I saw the coast was clear,
I noticed that there was no obstacle or danger around me.
Do you mind me being near?
Would it be a problem for me to stay close to you?
I've seen faces in high places
I have witnessed influential people make bad decisions.
Messing up for good
Causing irreversible harm or damage.
Say what am I doing here,
I am questioning why I am in this situation.
What am I doing here?
What is the purpose of me being here right now?
What say you're feeling meek,
Are you admitting to feeling submissive or lacking confidence?
Saw the writing on the wall
I recognized the impending outcome or consequence of a situation.
Feels sad and blue
Experiencing deep and prolonged negative emotions.
Paradise is close at hand,
A state of eternal happiness or peace is within reach.
In images of elsewhere
In the pictures or imagination of another place or existence.
I log on for company,
I seek human interaction through technology.
My ISP comforts me
My internet service provider provides me with emotional support and relief.
Goodbye Godspeed
Farewell, my friend who wished for my success.
I can't give you what you need
Unfortunately, I am not capable of providing what you require.
If I've sounded distant thus far
Maybe I have appeared aloof until this point.
It's 'cause I'm as lost as you are
It's because I am just as confused and uncertain as you are.
Goodbye Godspeed,
Once again, farewell, my friend who wished for my success.
I can't give you what you need
Sadly, I do not have the ability to provide what you require.
If I've sounded distant thus far
Perhaps I have come across as unapproachable until this point.
It's 'cause I'm as lost as you are
It's due to the fact that I am equally as disoriented and perplexed as you are.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Aled Richards, Cerys Matthews, Mark Roberts, Owen Powell, Paul Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind