The Air that I Breathe
Olivia Newton‐John Lyrics
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No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Making love with you has left me peaceful, warm and tired
What more could I ask, there's nothing that we desired
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent danger, go to sleep
Chorus:
All I need is the air that I breathe, yes to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent danger, go to sleep
(chorus)
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent danger, go to sleep
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The lyrics of Olivia Newton-John's song "The Air That I Breathe" convey a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment through simple pleasures and the power of love. The singer expresses that if they were to make a wish, they would pass because they truly feel like they have everything they need. The absence of material possessions like cigarettes, sleep, light, sound, food, and books is inconsequential when compared to the profound joy and peace that comes from being in love. The act of making love with their partner has left them feeling peaceful, warm, and tired, highlighting the emotional and physical depth of their connection.
The singer reflects on the fact that there is nothing more they could ask for or desire because being with their loved one fulfills all their needs. The simplicity of just needing the air that they breathe and the love they share emphasizes the idea that true happiness and satisfaction can be found in the most basic things. The repetition of the line "All I need is the air that I breathe" underscores the importance of love and connection in the singer's life, as well as the profound impact it has on their well-being.
The repeated mention of peace coming upon the singer and leaving them weak suggests that this love brings a deep sense of tranquility and vulnerability, as well as a feeling of being overwhelmed by the intensity of their emotions. The plea for "silent danger" to go to sleep conveys a sense of protection and a desire for the peace and tranquility of the moment to last. This portrayal of vulnerability and surrender in the face of love adds layers of complexity to the overall message of the song and emphasizes the transformative power of true love.
In conclusion, "The Air That I Breathe" by Olivia Newton-John is a poignant exploration of the profound impact of love on one's sense of fulfillment and contentment. The lyrics portray a deep sense of peace and joy that comes from being with a loved one, highlighting the simple yet powerful nature of true connection. The song's message of finding happiness in the smallest of things, such as the air we breathe and the love we share, resonates with listeners by reminding them of the intrinsic value of love and emotional fulfillment in one's life.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish, I think I'd pass, can't think of anything I need
If I had the opportunity to make a wish, I would decline because I already have everything I could possibly want.
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Without the distractions of cigarettes, sleep, light, or noise, I am able to fully immerse myself in the moment.
Nothing to eat, no books to read
I have no need for food or literature, as the love shared between us is fulfilling enough.
Making love with you has left me peaceful, warm and tired
Our intimate moments bring me a sense of tranquility, warmth, and contentment, leaving me feeling fulfilled yet fatigued.
What more could I ask, there's nothing that we desired
I have everything I could possibly desire, as our love surpasses any material wants or needs.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
The peacefulness that envelops me also leaves me feeling vulnerable and emotionally exhausted.
So sleep, silent danger, go to sleep
I must let go of any lurking anxieties or fears, allowing myself to rest peacefully.
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe, and to love you
Occasionally, all I require for contentment is the simple act of breathing and being in love with you.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
The tranquility that washes over me makes me feel vulnerable and physically drained.
So sleep, silent danger, go to sleep
I must quiet any inner turmoil or dangers, allowing myself to drift off into peaceful slumber.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
zaytoun1er
"The Air That I Breathe" is a ballad written by Albert Hammond & Mike Hazlewood in 1972.
1) 1972 • It is initially recorded by Albert Hammond on his album "It Never Rains In Southern California", released on 1972-08-16.
2) 1973 • Philip Everly (from Everly Brothers) sings it on his album "Star Spangled Springer", released on 1973-01-31.
3) 1974 • The Hollies cover, recorded after hearing Phil Everly's version, appears on their 14th UK studio album "Hollies" released in 1974.
4) 1974 • The same year, James Last records an instrumental/orchestral version on his 1974 album "Violins In Love".
5) 1975 • Olivia Newton-John performs it on her 1975 album "Have You Never Been Mellow".
6) 1975 • A finnish version "Tahdo en kuin hengittää vain" written by Pertti Reponen, is released by Petri Pettersson.
7) 1976 • Another curiosity, "Comme Si" is a french cover, with lyrics adapted by Bernard Droguet and sung by duo Shuky & Aviva.
8) 1992 • The 1992 Radiohead song "Creep" uses a similar chord progression and shares some melodic content with the 1972 version of "The Air That I Breathe". Hammond & Hazlewood are given co-writing credits as well as a portion of the royalties.
9) 2017 • "Get Free" is a song by American singer and songwriter Lana Del Rey from her 5th studio album, Lust for Life (2017).
Nothing is clear concerning a link with 1992 "Creep" and/or 1972 "The Air That I Breathe"... 🤔
Numerous others artists have covered this song through years.
All videos are on YouTube but I can't put the links here. 🤬 I had to remove them all... Otherwise my comment is deleted immediately. 🤷🏻♂️
Doc Hubbell
In her early days I went to one of her concerts. She had the most pure voice and perfect pitch. She sounded just as good live as she did in her recorded songs. As talented as she is beautiful.
Sheila Johnson
So true!! She is also a very sweet person! Love Olivia! I saw her perform in Atlanta back in 1982.
Bill Schmidt
Indeed!
Marian Rusnak
thanks for sharing this
'Jonte TheArtist'
That's amazing that you was able to witness her talent in her younger years and then to follow her journey, years later. It's like wow, she's come along way. ❤
KEN SIMMONS
As a former radio disc jockey I know voices and Olivia Newton-John has the most natural, (lilting) vibrato of any singer. It's pours out like pure honey.
Clifford Bowman
Wonder what it must have been absolutely adored by so many different people. This old ignorant “neck” sure did, so sad bye young lady- miss u till there’s days for me
Paul
The voice of an angel.....sheer perfection!
LunaKraft Instruments
Yikes, did this really happen? So beautiful.
TheBarf
Nothing comes close to the Hollies' version.