Jonah Matranga is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who has released a var… Read Full Bio ↴Jonah Matranga is a singer, songwriter and guitarist who has released a variety of solo material under both his own name and onelinedrawing, and has previously been part of the bands Far, New End Original (an anagram of "onelinedrawing") and Gratitude. Much of his solo material has also been self-published, though often subsequently distributed through labels such as Crank! and Corrupted Image. However, his two full-length onelinedrawing albums, Visitor (2002) and The Volunteers (2004) were released by Jade Tree Records. Matranga retired the onelinedrawing moniker in 2004, and he now intends to release all future solo releases under his name.

Breathless
Onelinedrawing Lyrics

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How could I be happy on a day like today
When I can't even breathe
I should put myself away and run
How could I feel lucky gettin' what I just received
Took it in the ass
All that gravel and broken glass
Those are scars that last
Does this make it over? I know.

Come down, breathless heather -- I know
Soggy little nothings, that's all they really are
Rotted too long in there
Better give them all some air
They're just lies
I have told a couple
Now that's a lie right there, I've told so many more
But I'm not keeping score
God, I love your smile

Does this make it over? I know.
Come down, breathless heather -- I know

Overall Meaning

Onelinedrawing's song "Breathless" is a ballad about feeling lost and overwhelmed, with the singer struggling to find happiness or peace on a day that feels suffocating. The opening lines set the tone with the question: "How could I be happy on a day like today / When I can't even breathe?" The singer acknowledges that they should take care of themselves and remove themselves from the situation, yet they feel trapped and unable to escape their own feelings of discomfort.

The song then takes a darker turn, with the singer revealing that they have "took it in the ass" and have scars from "gravel and broken glass." These lines could be interpreted as a metaphor for a traumatic experience or abuse that has left the singer wounded and struggling to move forward. The chorus, which repeats the lines "Does this make it over? I know. / Come down, breathless heather -- I know," suggests that the singer is looking for an escape or a resolution, but is uncertain if that is possible.

The second verse shifts focus to the singer's inner turmoil, with metaphors of "soggy little nothings" and "lies" that the singer has told, acknowledging that they have told so many lies that they are no longer keeping track. The song ends on a slightly hopeful note, with the singer confessing their love for someone's smile. Overall, "Breathless" explores themes of pain, trauma, and the struggle to find hope amidst dark times.

Line by Line Meaning

How could I be happy on a day like today
On a day full of problems and challenges, it is impossible for me to be happy or content.

When I can't even breathe
I am so overwhelmed and stressed that even breathing feels difficult.

I should put myself away and run
I feel like I need to escape, withdraw from the world, and start fresh somewhere else.

How could I feel lucky gettin' what I just received
Even though I got something I wanted or needed, I still feel unhappy and unlucky.

Took it in the ass
I endured something difficult or painful, and it has left me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

All that gravel and broken glass
My past experiences have left me with emotional scars that are difficult to heal.

Those are scars that last
These emotional wounds are deep and will continue to affect me for a long time.

Does this make it over? I know.
I am unsure if I can move past my current troubles or if they will continue to affect me.

Come down, breathless heather -- I know
I am asking someone to help me calm down and relax, even though I feel like I can barely breathe.

Soggy little nothings, that's all they really are
I realize that some of the things I am upset about are actually insignificant and not worth my time and energy.

Rotted too long in there
My negative thoughts and emotions have been festering and growing for too long, and I need to let them out.

Better give them all some air
I need to express my feelings and talk to someone about what is bothering me in order to find relief.

They're just lies
Some of my negative thoughts and beliefs are not grounded in reality and are actually untrue.

I have told a couple
I have shared some of my problems with others, but not all of them.

Now that's a lie right there, I've told so many more
I have actually shared many of my problems with others, but I have likely exaggerated or downplayed some of them.

But I'm not keeping score
I am not trying to deceive anyone, I am simply trying to cope with my problems.

God, I love your smile
Despite all of my troubles, the sight of someone I care about brings me happiness and comfort.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kevin Griffin

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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