air
Allison Case Lyrics
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Hello, carbon monoxide
The air, the air is everywhere
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Bless you, alcohol bloodstream
Save me nicotine lung steam
Incense, incense is in the air
Cataclysmic, ectoplasm
Fall out, atomic orgasm
Vapor and fume at the stone of my tomb
Breathing like a solemn perfume
Eating at the stone of my tomb
I'm looking rather attractive
Now that I'm radioactive
Just watch me spark
I glow in the dark!
She glows in the dark
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Deep, deep, deep, deep, deep
The lyrics to Allison Case's song "Air" paint a vivid picture of the environment we live in and the various elements that we encounter in our everyday lives. The opening lines "Welcome, sulfur dioxide, Hello, carbon monoxide" are a direct address to the two toxic gases that are present in the air we breathe due to pollution. However, instead of focusing on the negative aspects of these gases, the song calls for an appreciation of the air that we have regardless of its composition: "The air, the air is everywhere, Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep". The repetition of "breathe deep" serves as a reminder that we should not take our breath for granted and instead embrace it fully.
The following lines address other substances that we encounter in our daily lives, such as alcohol, nicotine, and incense. The phrase "save me nicotine lung steam" highlights the addictive nature of nicotine and how it can take over our bodies, while "incense, incense is in the air" highlights the desire for calmness and serenity in our lives. The last verse of the song takes a turn towards the surreal, with the lines "Cataclysmic, ectoplasm, Fall out, atomic orgasm, Vapor and fume at the stone of my tomb, Breathing like a solemn perfume, Eating at the stone of my tomb" painting a picture of a post-apocalyptic world with radioactive substances that have taken over. The final lines "I'm looking rather attractive, Now that I'm radioactive, Just watch me spark, I glow in the dark!" present a tongue-in-cheek view of radiation, suggesting that even in the darkest of times there is an opportunity to shine.
Overall, "Air" is a song that calls for an appreciation of our breath and reminds us of the various substances that make up our environment. It encourages us to take a moment to breathe deep and embrace the air that surrounds us rather than taking it for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome, sulfur dioxide
Greetings, poisonous gas released from burning fossil fuels
Hello, carbon monoxide
Greetings, odorless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion of fuel
The air, the air is everywhere
The mixture of gases surrounding the earth is pervasive
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Take a deep inhalation of air while you are asleep
Bless you, alcohol bloodstream
Wishing you well, alcohol that has entered your bloodstream
Save me nicotine lung steam
Rescue me from the steam produced by nicotine inhaled into your lungs
Incense, incense is in the air
Fragrant smoke is present in the air
Cataclysmic, ectoplasm
Catastrophic, slimy fluid believed to emanate from supernatural beings
Fall out, atomic orgasm
The residual radiation of a nuclear explosion
Vapor and fume at the stone of my tomb
Steam and smoke produced in the vicinity of where I will be buried
Breathing like a solemn perfume
Inhaling deeply, akin to being surrounded by a sacred aroma
Eating at the stone of my tomb
Slowly decay away while buried
I'm looking rather attractive
I appear to be physically appealing
Now that I'm radioactive
As a result of being exposed to ionizing radiation
Just watch me spark
Observe me emit sparks
I glow in the dark!
I emit light when there is no visible light
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Take a deep inhalation of air while you are asleep
Deep, deep, deep, deep, deep
Very intense, profound
Lyrics © DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni, James Rado
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@flowerwang16
I met a boy called Frank Mills
On September twelfth right here
In front of the Waverly
But unfortunately I lost his address
He was last seen with his friend, a drummer
He resembles George Harrison of The Beatles
But he wears his hair tied in a small bow at the back
I love him but it embarrasses me
To walk down the street with him
He lives in Brooklyn somewhere
And he wears his white crash helmet
He has golden chains on his leather jacket
And on the back are written the names
"Mary" and "Mom" and "Hell's Angels"
I would gratefully appreciate if you see him tell him
I'm in the park with my girlfriend and please
Tell him Angela and I don't want the two dollars back just him
@sasalag9100
Allison's version is by far the greatest. Brings me to tears every time. Her naivete, sweetness, and innocence as demonstrated by her body language are simply unbelievable. She was made for this role. So much love, beauty, warmth, and sincerity in this beautiful creation.
@TheInnerParty
My favorite performer in Hair. She brought it on every scene. Her scenes and the one she supported of others. A class act and inspiration for everyone.
@eh5507
I saw her in Matilda, she was great in that too
@michaelhearn1676
I am writing this on "Frank Mills" Day, September 12, 2020. Happy, Happy, Everyone. Shelley Plimpton and Allison Case are the only two I have heard do this favorite of mine right. It's not just the voice, though that is considerable, but their look of innocence.
And "Angela and I don't want the two dollars back," either!
@iadorenewyork1
So sweet. Really evokes the time. She has a pure, lovely voice.
@rotcod2886
Lovely rendition. Possibly my favorite song of the show.
@lauryndb
Absolutely perfect. I've seen loads of performers sing this song and used to do it myself at auditions and open mikes. But she was meant for Chrissy and this sweet, lovely, silly, wonderful song. Just brilliant.
@mollysmith2071
my dream role!
@VimalaNowlis
My favorite song from Hair.
@gari_uk
Love this - wish someone had captured the whole 2009 cast production - one of the best things that's been onstage in the last 20 years imo!