Interested in music from a young age, the San Francisco-born Leff took piano and viola lessons as a child before picking up the guitar around age 11. During high school, he played in several bands and studied jazz before discovering electronic music production. However, it was while attending N.Y.U. as a music tech major in 2014 that a bad breakup found Leff on his own and digging deep into his writing and recording process. Out of this period came the song "The Other," co-written with songwriter/instrumentalist Michael Matosic. Released under Leff's stage name Lauv (inspired by the Latvian "lauva" or lion), the song went viral after gaining blog attention and peaked at number three on blog aggregator Hype Machine. In 2015 he returned with his debut EP, Lost in the Light, which featured "The Other."
More tracks followed, including 2015's "Reforget" and 2016's "Question," featuring Travis Mills. In 2017 Lauv headed his own Late Nights, Deep Talks tour and premiered the official video for "The Other," along with a series of remixes. Released in May of that year, Lauv's single "I Like Me Better" became a breakout international hit and was later featured on his self-titled second EP that October. The single was also included on his full-length debut, 2018's I Met You When I Was 18, which also featured the singles "Paranoid" and "Bracelet." Hit collaborations with Julia Michaels ("There's No Way") and Troye Sivan ("I'm So Tired...") carried him into 2019. Lauv's debut album "~how i'm feeling~" is set to be released in March 2020.
Breathe
Lauv Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
River in the not good times
Oh, you taught me all that I know
I've seen your soul grow just like a rose
Made it through all of those thorns
Girl into the woman I know
And it's killing me, me to say "I'm fine," "I'm fine"
You're my all and more
All I know you taught me, yeah
You're my all and more
But I need room to breathe, yeah
I found New York laying in your arms
We'll melt into the bedroom floor
Never knew I'd stay for so long
And this truth cuts
Not through one, but both not through one, but both of us
But it's deeper if I hold on
And it's killing me, me to say "I'm fine," "I'm fine"
When I really mean, mean to say
You're my all and more
All I know you taught me, yeah
You're my all and more
But I need room to breathe, yeah
Uh
Uh
Uh
Gotta breathe for me, it's now or never
Gotta breathe for me, it's now or never
Uh
Uh
I should leave, 'cause you deserve better, better
Gave my all and more
But I need room to be me
You're my all and more
All I know you taught me, yeah
You're my all and more
But I need room to breathe, yeah
Uh
Uh
Breathe
Uh
Uh
Uh
Breathe
The song "Breathe" by Lauv is about a relationship that has grown toxic due to the lack of space and individuality. The lyrics are from the perspective of one partner who still loves the other, but realizes that they need room to breathe and discover themselves as an individual. Throughout the song, Lauv praises his partner for teaching him everything he knows, referencing her growth and strengths, but ultimately concludes that he needs to prioritize his own needs in order to continue growing. The lyrics "And it's killing me, me to say 'I'm fine,' 'I'm fine'/ When I really mean, mean to say/ You're my all and more/ But I need room to breathe, yeah" perfectly encapsulate the struggle of someone who is torn between love and personal growth.
The line "I found New York laying in your arms" refers to the idea of finding oneself or discovering new parts of oneself through an external relationship. The city symbolizes the idea of possibilities and opportunities. Lauv's hesitation to leave the toxic relationship, despite acknowledging his need for space, is a common struggle among many.
One notable aspect of the song is the production, which features ethereal and dreamy synths that complement Lauv's delicate vocals. The chorus is uplifted by electronic drums and guitar, adding more depth to the song's message of empowerment and self-discovery.
Line by Line Meaning
I've watched those eyes light up with a smile
I have witnessed the joy in your eyes as you smile
River in the not good times
You were like a source of comfort during difficult times
Oh, you taught me all that I know
You were my teacher and I learned a lot from you
I've seen your soul grow just like a rose
I have seen you develop and blossom as a person
Made it through all of those thorns
You have overcome various challenges in your life
Girl into the woman I know
I have seen you grow from a girl into the woman that I know now
And it's killing me, me to say "I'm fine," "I'm fine"
It is hurting me to say that I am okay when I am not
When I really mean, mean to say
I want to express how I really feel
You're my all and more
You mean everything to me and more
All I know you taught me, yeah
You have taught me everything that I know
But I need room to breathe, yeah
I need space to be myself
I found New York laying in your arms
I felt safe and comfortable in your embrace
We'll melt into the bedroom floor
We will be completely lost in each other's love
Never knew I'd stay for so long
I did not realize how much time has passed since we have been together
And this truth cuts
The truth is painful
Not through one, but both not through one, but both of us
We are both affected by this truth
But it's deeper if I hold on
The connection between us is stronger if I stay
Gotta breathe for me, it's now or never
I need to focus on myself or else it will be too late
I should leave, 'cause you deserve better, better
I should end this relationship because you deserve someone better
Gave my all and more
I have given you everything that I have and more
But I need room to be me
I need to be true to myself and who I am
Breathe
I need to take a deep breath and focus on me
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ari Leff, Michael Matosic, Dallas James Koehlke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@camelion8022
This is one of my favorite songs
This song reminds me of him.
Someone who, although only briefly entered into life, but he was able to save a place in my heart. Even though I only made a few memories with him, I always remember those memories every day. Although the time to get to know him was not long, I already felt very familiar and close to him. Even though he just disappeared but the memories of him didn't disappear.
He teaches about many things, including about love and loss.
Hey Huso
Thank you for coming into my life even if only for a moment. Thank you for the short memories you give. Thank you for being one of the most beautiful memories in my life. Thank you for being there for me even though you finally left and disappeared.
@Shapenpen
this was the first ever song that made me a fan of Lauv 😭😩
@Jake-yv7xb
me too definitely
@diniemarie2096
Same here :') so nostalgic
@SushiSuxs
this music was in spotify like months ago
@Shapenpen
years ago on youtube actually
@MarigabSB
Me too
@fibrods
This song is like you found someone lovely, someone good, but you know deep down, you have to let go. It was not his or her fault, but you are not just okay. You cannot do it. Their presence is not enough to make you feel better.
You know that holding on will make things harder. You tried, but everything is falling apart. You want to be good for the person, but you're just so broken.
It's so heartbreaking, but it has to happen. For people to grow.
@caryljannielazo4988
OH WOW. That puts the song in a whole new perspective to me. Thanks for sharing this!
@fibrods
@@caryljannielazo4988 Thank you too!
@rambosaputra6366
Yes...