breathless
Corrine Bailey Rae Lyrics


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Seems like everyone else has a love just for them,
I don't mind, we have such a good time,
My best friend, but sometimes, well,
I wish we could be more than friends,
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
Oh..
I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I've often wondered, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me
You can't see
What I'm thinking of.

I can understand that you don't want to cross the line,
And you know i can't promise you things,
Will turn out fine,
But i have to be honest, I want you to be mine
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
Oh...

I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I've often wondered, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me
You can't see
Oh!

'Cause I've tried to do this right in your own time
I've been telling you with my eyes, my heart's on fire,
Why don't you realise?
Tell me do you know?
Tell me do you know?
I get so breathless...
when you call my name,
I've often wondered, do you feel the same?
There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
When we're all alone,
So don't tell me




You can't see
What I'm thinking of.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of “Breathless” by Corrine Bailey Rae describe the inner struggle of someone who, while enjoying the company of their best friend, wishes for something more – a romantic relationship. The singer illustrates this emotion through her romantic longing for the one she loves. The phrase “Seems like everyone else has a love just for them” connotes a sense of hopelessness and desperation, as though she feels left out of the world of lovers. The following lines “I don't mind, we have such a good time, my best friend, but sometimes, well, I wish we could be more than friends” describe a contradictory set of emotions - on one hand, she is content with the friendship, but at the same time, she is longing for a romantic relationship with the person who is special to her.


The chorus “I get so breathless when you call my name, I've often wondered, do you feel the same?” highlights the singer's deep-rooted desire for the person who, she believes, completes her in a way that no one else can. While the chemistry and energy of their alone time create a perfect synchronization, the lyrics "And you know I can't promise you things will turn out fine, but I have to be honest, I want you to be mine" further emphasizes her vulnerability and the uncertainty that comes with expressing her feelings. The repetition of the question “Tell me do you know?” conveys the singer's desperate plea for the person to understand her feelings and reciprocate them.


Overall, “Breathless” is a beautiful song that explores the complexities of human emotions and beautifully articulates the feelings of someone who is in love with their best friend but cannot tell them how they feel.


Line by Line Meaning

Seems like everyone else has a love just for them,
It appears like everyone else is in a committed relationship except us.


I don't mind, we have such a good time,
I don't really care since we enjoy each other's company.


My best friend, but sometimes, well,
Even though you are my best friend, sometimes I wish there was more between us.


I wish we could be more than friends,
I desire that our relationship moves beyond friendship.


Tell me do you know?
I am seeking clarification on your thoughts and feelings.


Oh..
An expression of longing and anticipation.


I get so breathless, when you call my name,
I feel overwhelmingly excited and anxious when you mention my name.


I've often wondered, do you feel the same?
I have contemplated if you experience similar sensations as me.


There's a chemistry, energy, a synchronicity
There is an unexplainable connection and harmony between us.


When we're all alone,
In moments where it's just the two of us.


So don't tell me
Don't deny the possibility of us being more than friends.


You can't see
I find it hard to believe that you are unable to acknowledge the attraction between us.


What I'm thinking of.
My longings and desires for us to be together romantically.


I can understand that you don't want to cross the line,
I comprehend that you are hesitant to take our relationship to the next level.


And you know I can't promise you things,
I am aware that I cannot guarantee a perfect outcome if we decide to pursue a relationship.


Will turn out fine,
That everything will work out in our favor.


But I have to be honest, I want you to be mine
I must admit that I desire to be in a romantic relationship with you.


'Cause I've tried to do this right in your own time
I have tried to respect your pace and not pressure you into anything.


I've been telling you with my eyes, my heart's on fire,
Even without vocalizing it, my actions and emotions signify that I am smitten with you.


Why don't you realise?
I am questioning why you are not picking up on my signals and confessing your own feelings.




Contributed by Aria T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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