Air
ORIGINAL CAST RECORDING Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hello! carbon monoxide
The air, the air
Is everywhere
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Save me, nicotine lung steam
Incense, incense
Is in the air
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Cataclysmic ectoplasm
Fallout atomic orgasm
Vapor and fume
At the stone of my tomb
Breathing like a sullen perfume
Eating at the stone of my tomb
Welcome! sulphur dioxide
Hello! carbon monoxide
The air, the air
Is everywhere
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Deep, deep, deep, cough cough
The song "Air" by the Original Cast Recording is a haunting and introspective exploration of the air we breathe and the impact it has on our bodies and our lives. From the opening lines, "Welcome! sulphur dioxide/Hello! carbon monoxide" the song sets a disquieting tone, inviting the listener to consider the various pollutants and toxins that make up the air we breathe. However, despite the ominous lyrics, there is also a sense of acceptance and even appreciation for the air that surrounds us - a realization that we must "breath deep, while you sleep" and that the air is "everywhere."
The middle verses of the song explore the various substances that we introduce into our bodies through the air we breathe, particularly alcohol and nicotine. The repeated refrain of "breath deep, while you sleep" takes on a slightly different meaning here, serving as a reminder of the long-term effects of such habits on our health and well-being. The song then takes a surreal turn, delving into imagery of cataclysmic ectoplasm and fallout atomic orgasm - a mix of science and mysticism that emphasizes the complexity and mystery of the world we inhabit. The final verse brings us back to the starting point, with a reiteration of the opening lines before the song ends with a cough, emphasizing the physical nature of the air we breathe and the impact it has on our bodies.
Overall, "Air" is a thought-provoking and poetic meditation on the air we breathe and the relationship we have with it. Through its use of vivid imagery and repetition, the song encourages us to think about the air in a more holistic way, as more than just a neutral substance that surrounds us.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome! sulphur dioxide
The introduction of a harmful gas, sulphur dioxide, into the atmosphere is imminent and so it greets us.
Hello! carbon monoxide
A dangerous fume, carbon monoxide, greets us too.
The air, the air
This line is an allusion to a quote by William Shakespeare ‘the air which is just as it is, but we abuse and contaminate it’. The song’s message is that the air we take for granted is abused by humans beyond bearing.
Is everywhere
Air is inescapable and ubiquitous.
Breath deep, while you sleep
Take a deep breath in your sleep and inhale the contaminated air, thereby causing harm to your lungs.
Bless you, alcohol bloodstream
Alcohol consumption poisons the bloodstream and so, it should not be blessed.
Save me, nicotine lung steam
Nicotine is the reason for lung steam and hence, it shouldn't be looked up to for saving purposes.
Incense, incense
These toxic chemicals are also in the air that surrounds us.
Is in the air
The persistent theme of the song - harmful substances are in the air.
Cataclysmic ectoplasm
Cataclysmic calamities are prevalent like ectoplasm.
Fallout atomic orgasm
An atomic fallout is an orgasm for destruction everywhere.
Vapor and fume
Vapours and fumes are an omnipresent threat.
At the stone of my tomb
Humorously aimed at an imaginary tombstone of ours, suggesting that the toxic air has taken a toll on us.
Breathing like a sullen perfume
Inhaling toxic air makes it a habit, like wearing perfume daily, and it's not healthy.
Eating at the stone of my tomb
The pollutants are constantly eating away at individuals, shortening life spans.
Deep, deep, deep, cough cough
Deep breathing leads to coughing indicating that the air they're inhaling is contaminated.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ragni, Gerome / Rado, James / Mac Dermot, Galt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sundiorlater
lyrics:
Welcome! sulphur dioxide
Hello! carbon monoxide
The air, the air
Is everywhere
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Bless you, alcohol bloodstream
Save me, nicotine lung steam
Incense, incense
Is in the air
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Cataclysmic ectoplasm
Fallout atomic orgasm
Vapor and fume
At the stone of my tomb
Breathing like a sullen perfume
Eating at the stone of my tomb
Welcome! sulphur dioxide
Hello! carbon monoxide
The air, the air
Is everywhere
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Deep, deep, deep, cough cough
Hannah Emerson
[Jeanie & (Tribe)]
Welcome sulfur dioxide
Hello carbon monoxide
The air, the air is everywhere
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Bless you alcohol bloodstream
Save me nicotine lungsteam
Incense, incense is in the air
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Cato-clysmic ectoplasm
Fall-out, atomic orgasm
Vapor and fume at the stone of my tomb
Breathing like a solemn perfume
Eating at the stone of my tomb
Welcome sulfur dioxide
Hello carbon monoxide
The air, the air is everywhere
Breathe deep, while you sleep
Breathe deep (coughing)
Deep (coughing)
Deep de deep (massive coughing)
HoverponiesForever
One of my favorite Hair songs... I love her voice, and the message that the song sends in general.
Darkangel W
Mine too and Frank Mills
Sundiorlater
lyrics:
Welcome! sulphur dioxide
Hello! carbon monoxide
The air, the air
Is everywhere
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Bless you, alcohol bloodstream
Save me, nicotine lung steam
Incense, incense
Is in the air
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Cataclysmic ectoplasm
Fallout atomic orgasm
Vapor and fume
At the stone of my tomb
Breathing like a sullen perfume
Eating at the stone of my tomb
Welcome! sulphur dioxide
Hello! carbon monoxide
The air, the air
Is everywhere
Breath deep, while you sleep
Breath deep
Deep, deep, deep, cough cough
BroadwayDreamchild
I love her so much! she was so good when I saw her this summer! I loved her gasmask. :) her voice is so interesting, but beutiful. Very unique.
E.S Tree
I love this song it's so underrated
Hannah Emerson
[Jeanie & (Tribe)]
Welcome sulfur dioxide
Hello carbon monoxide
The air, the air is everywhere
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Bless you alcohol bloodstream
Save me nicotine lungsteam
Incense, incense is in the air
Breathe deep, while you sleep, breathe deep
Cato-clysmic ectoplasm
Fall-out, atomic orgasm
Vapor and fume at the stone of my tomb
Breathing like a solemn perfume
Eating at the stone of my tomb
Welcome sulfur dioxide
Hello carbon monoxide
The air, the air is everywhere
Breathe deep, while you sleep
Breathe deep (coughing)
Deep (coughing)
Deep de deep (massive coughing)
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