From their inception in late 2003, the band's energetic live performances earned them a hardcore fanbase after playing for only a few months on the Manchester music scene. In 2004 the band were signed to Island records and spent the year touring the UK and recording their first studio album with producer Rob Schnapf in Los Angeles. In 2005 Nine Black Alps toured the UK extensively, promoting the release of their debut album, Everything Is on 13th June 2005. Their first U.S. single was Cosmopolitan; their album Everything Is was released in America on February 28, 2006.
The band's second album, again recorded in LA with producer Dave Sardy Love/Hate, was released on 29 October 2007 and heralded a split with Island Records shortly thereafter. However, Nine Black Alps went on to self-finance and record their third full-length album with producer Dave Eringa, entitled 'Locked Out from the Inside'. Only available as a download from the band's own website - http://www.nineblackalps.com, the album was a return to the louder, heavier sounds of the first record.
Nine Black Alps, after a hiatus of almost 2 years, have been back in the studio as a 3-piece recording tracks for a fourth album, with a possible release in 2012.
Don't Forget To Breathe
Nine Black Alps Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You were hypnotized and wanted to wake me
Hold my appetite, it's so lazy
You're my satellite blood sugar baby
Home is where my dead body lies
Sleeping safe til I'm paralyzed
Hold me close I'll get tranquilized
Don't forget to breathe
Breathe
Your sleeping skull is a miracle
Just lying there filled with potential
Every candidate is an empty shell
In the alleyway ringing like a church bell
Home is where my dead body lies
Sleeping safe til I'm paralyzed
Hold me close I'll get tranquilized
Don't forget to breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Home is where my dead body lies
Sleeping safe til I'm paralyzed
Hold me close I'll get tranquilized
Don't forget to act satisfied
Home is where my dead body lies
Sleeping safe til I'm paralyzed
Hold me close I'll get tranquilized
Don't forget to breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Breathe
Breathe
The lyrics of "Don't Forget to Breathe" by Nine Black Alps seem to explore the complex emotions of the singer, who seems to be obsessed with the idea of death and the fragility of life. The opening lines mention being hypnotized, which could suggest how easy it is to be caught up in the chaos of life and forget to appreciate the simple things. The repeated refrain of "don't forget to breathe" adds to this idea of mindfulness, suggesting that the singer is trying to remind themselves (and the listener) to take a step back and appreciate the moment.
The mention of a "satellite blood sugar baby" could suggest a sense of dependency or entanglement, where the singer feels like they rely on the other person for stability. However, the idea of "sleeping safe til I'm paralyzed" seems to suggest that this dependency might be holding them back or preventing them from truly living. The image of a "sleeping skull filled with potential" adds to this sense of unrealized potential and wasted opportunities.
The final lines of the song seem to tie everything together, with the singer urging themselves (and perhaps the listener) to act satisfied while also reminding them not to forget to breathe. It's a complex mix of emotions - on one hand, there's a sense of acceptance and appreciation for the present moment, but there's also a lingering sense of regret and missed opportunities. Overall, the lyrics seem to be a reminder to savor life while it lasts, but not to let it slip away unnoticed.
Line by Line Meaning
In the black and white colour baby
You were in a state of mind where everything was either good or bad, and it affected your perception.
You were hypnotized and wanted to wake me
You were under someone's influence, and you tried to wake them up to your reality.
Hold my appetite, it's so lazy
My desire for things is not as strong as it used to be.
You're my satellite blood sugar baby
You keep me going, like the sugar that regulates my blood.
Home is where my dead body lies
Where I feel the most comfortable and at ease is also where I feel lifeless.
Sleeping safe til I'm paralyzed
I feel secure in my current state, but it's also holding me back.
Hold me close I'll get tranquilized
I find peace in the embrace of someone or something.
Don't forget to breathe
Remember to take deep breaths and stay grounded.
Your sleeping skull is a miracle
Even though you are unconscious, I still find you fascinating and valuable.
Just lying there filled with potential
You have so much potential, even though you're not currently using it.
Every candidate is an empty shell
Everyone who has a chance of success is currently lacking substance or meaning.
In the alleyway ringing like a church bell
There is a sound that echoes through the streets, and it reminds me of a church bell tolling.
Don't forget to act satisfied
Even if you're not completely happy, try to appear satisfied to avoid drawing attention to yourself.
Breathe
A reminder to take a deep breath and stay oxygenated.
Breathe
Another reminder to take a deep breath and stay grounded.
Breathe
One last reminder to take a deep breath and stay focused.
Contributed by Vivian S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.