Kasabian are Sergio Pizzorno (guitar, synths, vocals), Christopher Edwards … Read Full Bio ↴Kasabian are Sergio Pizzorno (guitar, synths, vocals), Christopher Edwards (bass), Ian Matthews (drums) and guitarist Tim Carter. Formed in Leicester, England, United Kingdom in 1997, Kasabian are named after Linda Kasabian, who was the getaway driver at the Tate-LaBianca murders committed by members of the Manson Family. The UK rock band has been compared with the likes of Primal Scream and Oasis. Ben Kealey and Gary Alesbrook are long-serving touring members since 2006. Former frontman Tom Meighan was fired in 2020 for assaulting his fiancée, following which time the band have continued as a four piece. Other former members of Kasabian include multi-instrumentalist Chris Karloff and guitarist Jay Mehler.

Their self-titled debut album was released in 2004, featuring UK top 10 single Cutt Off and has been followed with:
2005: Live from Brixton Academy
2006: Empire, featuring UK top 10 single Empire
2009: West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, featuring the global hit single Fire
2011: Velociraptor!
2012: Live!
2014: 48:13
2017: For Crying Out Loud
2022: The Alchemist's Euphoria, the first album since the sacking of Tom Meighan.
2024: Happenings

Apnoea
Kasabian Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Pick diamonds up set demons free
Issue my fire
On the weakened liar
Last gang in town
Set to burn it down
I summoned you to the aftermath

Apnoea

Bearing down on me
Apnoea
Bearing down on me
Apnoea
Bearing down on me
Apnoea
Bearing down on me
Apnoea
Bearing down on me
Apnoea
Bearing down on me

Put your boots in man
Put your boots in girl
See the piggies fly
See the system fail
Said it isn't me
Said it isn't you
Change made by all and not by one

Apnoea
Bearing down on me
Apnoea
Bearing down on me

Apnoea
Bearing down on me

Overall Meaning

The song Apnoea by Kasabian features lyrics that are somewhat abstract and open to interpretation. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the overall theme of the song is one of rebellion and empowerment. The first verse begins with the line "Pick diamonds up set demons free", which can be interpreted as a call to action urging individuals to overcome personal struggles and obstacles in order to achieve greatness. The singer then goes on to declare that he will issue his fire "On the weakened liar", further emphasizing the theme of standing up to those who would try to hold him back.

The second verse takes on a more political tone, as the singer urges listeners to take action against the system by putting their boots in and watching the piggies fly. He acknowledges that change must be made by all and not just one, making it clear that the only way to bring about true change is through collective action.

The repeated refrain of "Apnoea/Bearing down on me" adds an ominous tone to the song, suggesting that the pressure to rebel and fight back is relentless and unyielding. Overall, the lyrics of Apnoea convey a strong message of empowerment and the importance of standing up for oneself and one's beliefs.

Line by Line Meaning

Pick diamonds up set demons free
Retrieve value and let go of negative influences

Issue my fire
Expressing oneself with passion

On the weakened liar
Directing energy towards those who deceive

Last gang in town
A courageous, determined group who refuse to be defeated

Set to burn it down
Destroying obstacles in order to achieve goals

I summoned you to the aftermath
Inviting someone to witness the aftermath of the actions taken

Apnoea
The feeling of suffocation, whether literally or metaphorically

Bearing down on me
The pressure of the situation is becoming overwhelming

Put your boots in man
Get involved and make a difference

Put your boots in girl
Women equally need to contribute and make an impact

See the piggies fly
Observing those in authority falling from grace