Athlete is an indie rock band which formed in 1999 in Deptford, London, Eng… Read Full Bio ↴Athlete is an indie rock band which formed in 1999 in Deptford, London, England. The band consists of Joel Pott (vocals, guitar), Carey Willets (bass, vocals), Tim Wanstall (keyboards), and Steve Roberts (drums). Johnny Pilcher of the English indietronica band Weevil has joined them as second guitarist for their live shows.

Their sound is a mix of indie rock and electronic music, most recently integrating organic sounds into their music. Friends since the age of fourteen, Athlete have wide-ranging influences that include Grandaddy and Flaming Lips.

Trading Air
Athlete Lyrics

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Covered ground
Just to reach your house
I know we need to talk
But I can't catch my thoughts
Insides gripped
Scared of what you'll think
Words I can't repeat
Could change all we've got

Set it off
Someone better hit the alarm
Set it off
Someone better help me

Disarm myself
I don't want no-one else
All I want is you
All I want is you

Trading air
Once more from the start
I can't open up a thousand paper cuts
People hear
What they want to hear
But they won't change a thing
No they won't change a thing

Set it off
Someone better hit the alarm
Set it off
Someone better help me

Disarm myself
I don't want no-one else
All I want is you
All I want is you

Disarm myself
I don't want no-one else

All I want is you
All I want is you

Overall Meaning

In Athlete's song "Trading Air," the singer seems to be struggling to communicate with the person they care about. They've gone to their house to have a conversation, but their thoughts are scattered and they're afraid of how the other person will react. The urgency of the situation is conveyed through the repeated plea for someone to "set it off" or "hit the alarm" to signal that something needs to change. However, the singer also acknowledges that they don't want anyone else but the person they're talking to. They're willing to "disarm" themselves emotionally to be vulnerable with this person, hoping that the conversation will allow them to reset and start anew.

The chorus of "Trading Air" introduces the metaphor of "trading air," which suggests a futile exchange. The singer feels like they're starting over "once more from the start" without making any substantial progress. They're frustrated by the fact that people often hear what they want to hear, rather than what's actually being said. Despite this, the singer is still holding onto hope that their conversation can change things for the better.

Overall, "Trading Air" is a poignant depiction of the challenges of communication in relationships. It highlights the importance of vulnerability and honest conversations, while also acknowledging that these conversations can be scary and difficult.

Line by Line Meaning

Covered ground
I have traveled a long way

Just to reach your house
To see you face-to-face and resolve our issues

I know we need to talk
We need to have a serious conversation

But I can't catch my thoughts
I'm too overwhelmed to gather my ideas

Insides gripped
I'm extremely anxious

Scared of what you'll think
I'm afraid of your reaction

Words I can't repeat
There are certain things I cannot say out loud

Could change all we've got
Our entire relationship could be altered

Set it off
Begin the difficult conversation

Someone better hit the alarm
Someone needs to start things off

Disarm myself
I need to let go of my defenses