The Air That I Breathe
Olivia Newton-John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Can't think of anything I need
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 left to be desired
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
Olivia Newton-John's The Air That I Breathe is a wonderfully poetic and introspective love song that is full of imagery and metaphorical language. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is so deeply in love with their partner that they could ask for nothing else. They have reached a state of contentment and tranquility that is all-consuming - they don't need anything extraneous in their life anymore, not even the basic necessities like food or sleep. The only thing that they require is the air that they breathe and the love of their partner. The line 'Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak' is a powerful one; it suggests that the singer's love for their partner is so intense that it has physically weakened them.
The lyrics of the song are beautifully woven together with the melody and harmony, creating an emotionally charged and incredibly tender mood. The song's use of repetition is a highly effective device that emphasizes the importance of both the air that they breathe and the love between the partners. The refrains of 'Sometimes all I need is the air that I breathe and to love you' are both poignant and effective, reminding us of the importance of love in our lives.
Overall, The Air That I Breathe is a moving and powerful love song that captures the essence of true love and the profound effect that it can have on our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish I think I'd pass
I don't have any unfulfilled wishes.
Can't think of anything I need
I don't need anything else.
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
I don't need any external stimulation or comfort.
Nothing to eat, no books to read
I don't need any physical or intellectual sustenance.
Making love with you
Being intimate with you brings me happiness.
Has left me peaceful warm and tired
Being with you has left me feeling content, comfortable, and relaxed.
What more could I ask
I have everything I want.
There's nothing left to be desired
I am fully satisfied.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
Feeling peaceful has made me feel vulnerable and powerless.
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
I am trying to rest and find solace in sleep.
Sometimes all I need
At times, my needs are minimal.
Is the air that I breathe
All I really need is the basic necessity of oxygen.
And to love you
And to have your love and companionship.
Sometimes all I need
Even though my needs can be satisfied with very little,
Is the air that I breathe
I recognize and appreciate the importance of the most basic necessities.
And to love you
And the love and companionship of the person I care for.
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.