All That I Need
Blind Melon Lyrics


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All that I need is the air that I breathe
And all that I need are things I don't need
And all that really matters is what matters to me
And who of you are like me

If I was to smile and I held out my hand
If I opened it now would you not understand
Because you know if I'm to benefit I'll do everything that I can
And who of you are like me

It will make you feel good, over my shoulder
It'll get me down and got me tied up
'Till I grow older, but feel me inside of you
Like you want it to

But is it just the pains in your head
That are thrilling me
Another life's falling down onto it's knees
But I'll never smile the way, that I did like that day





Everything will be okay
It'll be okay

Overall Meaning

Blind Melon's song "All That I Need" speaks of the simplicity of life and how, at the end of the day, all we truly need are the essentials such as air to breathe. The singer points out that he does not need material possessions to make him happy, as what really matters to him are the things that hold sentimental value. He questions his audience, asking who among them share the same view as him.


In the chorus, the singer speaks of how sharing a smile and reaching out a hand can have a tremendous impact on those around us. He shows willingness to do whatever he can to benefit others, and hopes that his audience shares the same mentality. Despite the angst in his words, his message is one of hope and positivity, reminding us that everything will be okay.


Line by Line Meaning

All that I need is the air that I breathe
My only need in life is the basic necessity of air to breathe.


And all that I need are things I don't need
I realize that the things I often desire are not true necessities in my life.


And all that really matters is what matters to me
The only opinions and values that truly matter are my own personal ones and not others.


And who of you are like me
I wonder if there are others who share my perspective and understandings.


If I was to smile and I held out my hand
If I presented myself pleasurably to others with my hand out, smiling.


If I opened it now would you not understand
Would you be unable to comprehend the purpose of my offering or gesture?


Because you know if I'm to benefit I'll do everything that I can
I am willing to do anything necessary to achieve my own personal gain or self-interest.


And who of you are like me
I reiterate wondering if anyone else shares this same disposition and ambition.


It will make you feel good, over my shoulder
My efforts and dedication will bring about a positive outcome, which is reassuring to others when they see it.


It'll get me down and got me tied up
My actions and anticipations can also be overwhelming and lead to feelings of frustration and confinement.


'Till I grow older, but feel me inside of you
Despite the challenges and hardships, I hope others can sense and feel my passion and determination.


Like you want it to
As if they desire obtain these traits themselves.


But is it just the pains in your head
Perhaps it's only the negative and stressful emotions within oneself.


That are thrilling me
But I still find myself invigorated and motivated by these factors regardless.


Another life's falling down onto it's knees
While others may falter or struggle to maintain their equilibrium in life, I will not.


But I'll never smile the way, that I did like that day
I'll never relish in the same emotions and spirit as a specific day from my past.


Everything will be okay
Regardless of the present struggles and obstacles, everything will still find a way to work out in the end.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRAD SMITH, CHRISTOPHER THORN, CHRISTOPHER JOHN THORN, GLEN GRAHAM, SHANNON HOON, THOMAS STEVENS, THOMAS ROGERS STEVENS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@michaelwagaman7776

All that I need is the air that I breathe

And all that I need are things I don't need

And all that really matters is what matters to me

And who of you are like me



If I was to smile and I held out my hand

If I opened it now would you not understand

Because you know if I'm to benefit I'll do everything that I can

And who of you are like me



It will make you feel good, over my shoulder

It'll get me down and got me tied up

'Till I grow older, but feel me inside of you

Like you want it to



But is it just the pains in your head

That are thrilling me

Another life's falling down onto it's knees

But I'll never smile the way, that I did like that day



Everything will be okay

It'll be okay



All comments from YouTube:

@timwhiting6721

This is my song now ! His voice is mesmerizing and very similiar to robert plant's voice. Im sure he grew up listening to all the greats.

@josephrolston859

Such amazing song, might be my favorite. The voice, the octaves, lyrically, flow, the guitar is next level. Just so good

@ryuzakisimms1019

Still one of my favorite songs.

@MeLoNHeAd00

He nails the accoustic guitar on this as well.

@MrJdogg1971

My brother Jeffrey passed away last year and he was a melon head extreme. Much comfort from hoons music .thank you shannon, thank you Jeffrey. Rip

@flintironstag2381

Jason Lobb 😖😖😖😖😖

@oldsoulone7557

Jason Lobb I'm sorry to hear about your brother. Rip.
I know what you mean though about taking comfort from Shannons songs. Shannon Hoon is pretty much the only musician besides Kurt Cobain that i've found any sort of connection with. It's like Shannon gets it. I understand so much about a lot of what he sings about. Shannon Hoon and Blind Melon as a whole, will always hold a special place in my heart. Rip Shannon. You left this place far too soon, but I hope your looking down on your family and loved ones with pride. :)

@bucknasty2056

🙏 god bless

@jessicaglaspie9005

RIP Jeff rock on

@timwhiting6721

Death is only ; but the beginning ! He lives inside of you ! Have faith and always remember how fragile life is and to cherish as many moments little or small ; for we are all the missing pieces in this puzzle called life.

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