What A Catch, Donnie – English Lyrics

• By: Fall Out Boy

Lyrics & Translation

Learning a language through music is a powerful and immersive experience, and Fall Out Boy's “What A Catch, Donnie” offers a unique opportunity to explore rich emotional and metaphorical English. The song's complex lyrical themes of friendship, mental health, and artistic struggle provide a deep well of vocabulary and expression. What makes this song special is its layered allusions and the poignant story it tells, making the process of deciphering its meaning a rewarding journey for any English language learner.

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
troubled /ˈtrʌbəld/ B2	adjective - experiencing problems or difficulties; anxious or worried
thoughts /θɔːts/ A2	noun - an idea or opinion produced by thinking, or occurring suddenly in the mind
esteem /ɪˈstiːm/ B2	noun - respect and admiration, typically for a person
catch /kætʃ/ A2	verb - to intercept and hold (something thrown, propelled, or dropped). noun - a hidden problem or disadvantage.
fine /faɪn/ A1	adjective - of high quality; good.
hospital /ˈhɒspɪtl/ A2	noun - an institution providing medical or surgical treatment and nursing care for sick or injured people.
embassy /ˈembəsi/ B2	noun - the official residence or offices of an ambassador.
want /wɒnt/ A1	verb - have a desire to possess or do (something); wish for.
think /θɪŋk/ A1	verb - have a particular belief or idea.
charmed /tʃɑːrmd/ B2	verb - delighted greatly.
gave /ɡeɪv/ A1	verb - past tense of give
captain /ˈkæptɪn/ B1	noun - the person in command of a ship.
ship /ʃɪp/ A2	noun - a large boat for transporting people or goods by sea.
world /wɜːld/ A1	noun - the earth, together with all of its countries, people, and natural features.
god /ɡɒd/ A2	noun - (in many religions) the creator and ruler of the universe.
gentleman /ˈdʒentlmən/ B1	noun - a courteous or honorable man.
swinging /ˈswɪŋɪŋ/ B2	adjective - using sweeping movements of the arms and legs; lively and fashionable.
memories /ˈmeməriz/ A2	noun - something remembered from the past; a recollection.

Key Grammar Structures

• I got troubled thoughts

  ➔ Simple Past Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I got" indicates a completed action in the past.

• You'll never catch us

  ➔ Future Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "You'll never catch" indicates a prediction about the future.

• I still want you back

  ➔ Present Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I still want" expresses a current desire.

• They say the captain goes down with the ship

  ➔ Reported Speech

  ➔ The phrase "They say" introduces a statement made by others.

• This ain't a scene, it's a God damn arms race

  ➔ Colloquial Language

  ➔ The phrase "This ain't" uses informal language to convey a strong opinion.

• Thanks for the memories

  ➔ Past Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "Thanks for" indicates gratitude for past experiences.

• I will never end up like him

  ➔ Future Simple Tense

  ➔ The phrase "I will never end up" expresses a future intention.