Catch 22 (song)

Catch 22 (song) refers to a song by the American ska punk band Streetlight Manifesto, featured on their 2003 debut album, Everything Goes Numb.

The song's title is a direct reference to the novel Catch-22 by Joseph Heller, a satirical war novel exploring the illogical and self-contradictory bureaucratic constraints faced by U.S. Army Air Forces airmen in World War II. The song's lyrics explore similar themes of frustrating paradoxes, disillusionment, and the individual's struggle against seemingly inescapable systems of power and control.

Specifically, the lyrics grapple with the feeling of being trapped in a no-win situation, where any action taken leads to a negative outcome. The song uses vivid imagery and metaphorical language to convey the sense of hopelessness and frustration that can arise when facing such circumstances. The "Catch 22" is presented as a pervasive force affecting various aspects of life, from personal relationships to broader societal issues.

Musically, "Catch 22" is characterized by Streetlight Manifesto's signature blend of ska, punk, and Eastern European influences. It features prominent horn sections, driving rhythms, and Thomas Kalnoky's distinctive vocals. The song's energetic and upbeat tempo contrasts sharply with the bleakness of its lyrical content, further emphasizing the absurdity of the situations described.

The song is a popular track among Streetlight Manifesto fans and is often performed live. It is considered a strong example of the band's ability to combine complex musical arrangements with socially conscious and thought-provoking lyrics.