He's all I know
And I know he needs me
Lips are a shore
Through a mouth into sea

'Cause it makes no sense
To walk in the dark
Again and again
So I push the heart

It's alright though
I could let go
With just one breath
I could wait there under water

Until the moment I release into air
He's all I have
All I have in my mind
Wings are a path

On a back into sky
Then you circle above
Just to frame the view
And it makes no sense

But it's clear to you
It's alright though
I could let go
With just one breath

I could wait there under water
Until the moment I release into air

Overall Meaning

The song "Just One Breath" by Devics is a love song with imagery that evokes feelings of vulnerability and desperation. The opening lines suggest a sense of dependency as the singer states that the person they are with is all they know and needs them. The following lines compare the person's lips to a shoreline leading into the vastness of the sea, perhaps indicating a feeling of being swept away or overwhelmed.

The song then turns to the theme of trying to make sense of the relationship and not wanting to repeatedly stumble through the darkness. The line "So I push the heart" suggests that the singer is actively trying to push their emotions aside in order to avoid further confusion or pain. However, despite this resolve, the singer confesses that they would still wait underwater for the chance to be with their loved one again.

The later lines of the song use bird symbolism, with the person being compared to wings that lead to a path into the sky. The perspective then switches to an observer, circling above and framing the view. The last lines of the song suggest that despite the confusing nature of the relationship, with just one breath, the singer could release themselves into the air and let go.

Line by Line Meaning

He's all I know
He is the only person that I am familiar with and feel connected to

And I know he needs me
I am aware that he relies on me and requires my support

Lips are a shore
His lips are a serene shoreline that provide comfort to me

Through a mouth into sea
His mouth leads me to a vast ocean of love and passion

'Cause it makes no sense
It is irrational and illogical

To walk in the dark
To blindly stumble through an uncertain future

Again and again
Repeatedly experiencing the same negative cycle

So I push the heart
I attempt to suppress my emotions and feelings

It's alright though
Despite the difficulty and challenge, it is okay

I could let go
I can release my inner turmoil and give up control

With just one breath
By taking a deep breath, I can find inner peace