Regretamine

Catfish And The Bottlemen's song 'Regretamine' delves into the complexities of toxic relationships and the cyclical nature of regret. The title itself is a clever play on words, combining 'regret' and 'amphetamine,' suggesting a fast-paced, addictive, and ultimately harmful experience. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a night out, filled with alcohol and poor decisions, where the protagonist finds themselves repeatedly drawn back to a person who is bad for them.

The song opens with a warning to leave before falling for something harmful, yet the protagonist finds themselves at the bar, topping up on 'poison,' a metaphor for alcohol. The mention of 'Singaporean slings' and 'favourite leather' adds a layer of specificity, grounding the narrative in a tangible setting. The recurring theme of regret is evident as the protagonist questions why they had to come back, knowing it would lead to more pain. The line 'too much double dutch takes you out, tomorrow nurses it better' highlights the temporary escape that alcohol provides, only to be followed by the inevitable hangover and regret.

The chorus emphasizes the toxic nature of the relationship, with the protagonist acknowledging that the person they are drawn to is one of the reasons they are 'out of the light all night.' This phrase suggests a loss of clarity and direction, as if the person is a dark influence pulling them away from a better path. The repetition of 'as soon as you go, she'll be back at your throat' underscores the cyclical nature of their interactions, where leaving only leads to more conflict and regret. The protagonist's plea, 'brother please, I'm sick of coming out alone,' adds a layer of desperation, indicating a longing for support and a way out of this toxic cycle.

In the final verse, the protagonist acknowledges their vulnerability, admitting they 'fall for anything' and recognizing that the 'poison' is speaking, not their true self. The repeated question, 'why'd you have to come back tonight?' serves as a poignant reminder of the regret that follows these encounters. The song captures the essence of being trapped in a harmful relationship, where the allure of the familiar, despite its toxicity, keeps pulling the protagonist back, leading to a never-ending cycle of regret and self-doubt.