“Breathe” is a synth-pop ballad that depicts the realization that a relationship is coming to an end. The relationship appears to have lasted a lot longer than the artist expected, with him learning a lot from it. This makes it even more difficult for him to move on.
The song was initially released...
[Verse 1]
I've watched those eyes light up with a smile
River in the not good times
Oh, you taught me all that I know (I know)
I've seen your soul grow just like a rose
Made it through all of those thorns
Girl into the woman I know
[Pre-Chorus]
And it's killing me, me to say "I'm fine," "I'm fine"
When I really mean, mean to say...
[Chorus]
You're my all and more
All I know you taught me, yeah
You're my all and more
But I need room to breathe, yeah
[Verse 2]
I found New York laying in your arms
We'll melt into the bedroom floor
Never knew I'd stay for so long
And this truth cuts not through one, but both
Not through one, but both of us
But it's deeper if I hold on
[Pre-Chorus]
And it's killing me, me to say "I'm fine," "I'm fine"
When I really mean, mean to say...
[Chorus]
You're my all and more
All I know you taught me, yeah
You're my all and more
But I need room to breathe, yeah
[Post-Chorus]
Ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh
Gotta breathe for me, it's now or never
Gotta breathe for me, it's now or never (Ooh-oh-oh)
Ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh
I should leave, 'cause you deserve better, better
[Bridge]
Gave my all and more
But I need room to be me
[Chorus]
You're my all and more
All I know you taught me, yeah (Ooh-oh, ooh-oh)
You're my all and more
But I need room to breathe, yeah (Ooh-oh, ooh-oh, ooh-oh)
[Post-Chorus]
Ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh
(Breathe)
Ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh, ooh-oh-oh
(Breathe)
Breathe was written by DallasK & Michael Matosic & Lauv.
When asked about the inspiration of the song on Twitter, Lauv replied simply with this: