Her songwriting has been praised for its wit, and her technical guitar playing has also received praise (which she made light fun of in her feminist song, Not Bad for a Broad).
In 1990, she joined Christine Lavin, Megan McDonough, and Sally Fingerett to form the Four Bitchin' Babes, with whom she toured and recorded one album.
In 2005, Larkin produced La Guitara, a compilation of songs performed by female guitarists designed to answer the question, "Why are there no great female guitar players?" with the answer being that "There are–and here they are."
Coming Up For Air
Patty Larkin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
that we might as well get a boat
or we could swim like Neptune's daughters
to the other side of the moat
coming up for air
rising to a very new
somewhere
on the last breath around
we are sleeping in a canyon
where the walls rise up to the sky
we could reach the rim by standing
and begin to breathe with a sigh
coming up for air
rising to a very new
somewhere
coming up for air
on the last breath around
we are swaying like a willow
that is weeping over the view
we could wave goodbye
and fly into the hills
and into the blue
coming up for air
rising to a very new
somewhere
coming up for air
on the last breath around
on the last breath around
on the last breath around
Patty Larkin’s “Coming Up For Air” presents a series of vivid imagery that reflects an ultimate desire for liberation and escape from the mundane realities of life. The song is an exploration of human craving for space, freedom, and adventure in a confined world of limitations. The lyrics suggest the potentials of the human spirit and the possibilities of breaking free from the chains of oppression, just like a person who is surrounded by water and decides to get a boat or swim to the other side of the moat. This represents someone who is willing to take risks and challenges to achieve their dreams.
The metaphorical representation of a canyon that surrounds us is a reference to the feelings of being trapped or confined in life, unable to move forward or break free. The suggestion to stand and breathe with a sigh indicates a hope for a new beginning and a new life. The song’s central theme is about coming up for air, a reference to the moment when we break free from our perceived limitations and embrace the possibilities of life. The final lines of the song, “on the last breath around,” further reinforce the message of the song, that no matter what circumstances we may find ourselves in, there is still a way to break free and move ahead.
Line by Line Meaning
we are surrounded by so much water
Our current situation feels overwhelming, like being surrounded by water and needing a boat to navigate it.
that we might as well get a boat
We could try to find a solution or a way to navigate our overwhelming situation.
or we could swim like Neptune's daughters
Or we could try to face our challenges head-on with strength and bravery, like the mythical sea goddesses.
to the other side of the moat
And make it through to the other side of our challenges.
coming up for air
Taking a break from the stress and pressure of our current situation to regain our breath and strength.
rising to a very new somewhere
By doing so, we can start anew and find a new path or way forward.
on the last breath around
Even though it may feel like our last breath, we can still push through and come out the other side stronger.
we are sleeping in a canyon
Our current state is also like being trapped in a deep, confined space.
where the walls rise up to the sky
We feel surrounded by our problems with no escape in sight.
we could reach the rim by standing
However, by taking small steps and standing tall, we can slowly climb out of our problems and find a solution.
and begin to breathe with a sigh
Once we start to see progress, we can breathe a sigh of relief and start to feel more at ease.
we are swaying like a willow
Our current state is also like a willow tree, bending and swaying in the wind.
that is weeping over the view
We may be emotional and sad over what we see before us, but we must keep moving forward.
we could wave goodbye
We can say goodbye to our current situation and start fresh.
and fly into the hills
We can take on new challenges and opportunities with ease, as if soaring into the hills.
and into the blue
And we can do so with optimism and hope, looking forward to a new chapter.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PATTY LARKIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
precise428
LOVE this song! The first time I heard it was when I saw the movie Sliding Doors (one of my favorites). This was actually the song that my wedding party and I walked down the isle too. Thank you for posting!
Shane Brohier
Remarkable. Sits me down and gets me to relate.
angerbell3
oh my god!!! thank you so much for uploading this!!!! god blesssss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i first heard this song in the movie sliding doors years and years ago and it has never left me. <3
Victoria Lou D
Same here!!! I am after her version of 'Tenderness on the block' but cannot find that
Karen E.
I love her and this is one of my favorites!
guitarswheelies
Its a love song with some clever humour.
I love this song-it almost sounds like its in slow motion or something.
J
"Sliding Doors" with Gwyneth Paltrow brings me here time and time again. ❤
Curtis123
angerbell3 I agree hun, amazing song