The Everly Brothers (Phil and Don) were one of the most popular and influential rock acts of the 1950s. Songs like "Wake Up Little Susie" and "Take a Message to Mary" showcased the Everly's boyish charm and inspired close harmonies. As the '50s came to an end, the Everlys' star began to fade a little; the hits still came but they were not as big. The music they made was still as just as good, but attention was shifting elsewhere, like to the Beatles, who were no small fans of the Everlys themselves. As the 1960s came to a close, the brothers were exploring their country roots and making great records like Roots, which includes tracks that remain country rock classics. Unfortunately, most music fans didn't care and in the early '70s, the Everlys were stuck doing supper clubs and amusement parks.
It was at one such gig in 1973 where years of frustration boiled over and Phil and Don had a monumental breakup and each went solo.
Phil released his first solo record in 1973. Star Spangled Springer trod upon the same rootsy ground as the Everlys' last records and was a small critical success. Phil Everly released Phil's Diner in 1974 and Mystic Line in 1975 , neither of which were well-received. He tied his hand at acting appearing in Clint Eastwood's Any Which Way but Loose and did some freelance songwriting. In 1983, Don and Phil buried their differences and reunited, playing an emotional show at Royal Albert Hall. Also in 1983, Phil released another solo album, his last, for Capitol. The Everly Brothers stayed together to record three new albums in the mid- to late '80s and have been together ever since, sounding great touring the world and playing state fairs and community colleges.
The Air that I Breathe
Phil Everly 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
The Air That I Breathe is a slow and romantic song written by the British writers, Albert Hammond and Mike Hazlewood, and performed by Phil Everly in 1973. The lyrics of this song depict the contentment and happiness that the singer has experienced in his life by merely having a fulfilling and loving relationship with his partner. The beginning of the song illustrates how the singer feels like he does not need anything in his life anymore because of his love. The line "Can't think of anything I need" is an indication of how he is content with the current state of his life. The use of the phrase "nothing to eat, no books to read" highlights the simplicity of his wants and desires. The singer's most significant need in life is to be with his partner and to love her unconditionally.
The second verse of the song again reiterates the singer's love for his partner. The phrase "Making love with you" highlights the physical aspect of their relationship that leaves him feeling peaceful, warm, and happy. The use of the lines "there's nothing left to be desired" and "peace came upon me and it leaves me weak" demonstrates how their love fills all aspects of his life and makes him feel satisfied and content. The final lines of the second verse, "Sleep, silent angel go to sleep," can be interpreted in multiple ways. It may indicate that the singer is satisfied and is ready to rest or that he hopes his partner will have a peaceful sleep.
The chorus of the song is the most memorable part of the entire track. The repetition of the line "sometimes all I need is the air that I breathe and to love you" emphasizes how the singer finds life's simplicity in love. The phrase "the air that I breathe" symbolizes how essential his love is to him and how he cannot imagine life without it. The singer's priorities in life are clear, and he only needs his love to feel content and satisfied.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish I think I'd pass
I can't think of anything that I need that would be worth wishing for.
Can't think of anything I need
I have everything I want and don't need anything else.
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
I don't need any external stimulation to be content.
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Even without the basic necessities and entertainment, I'm still happy.
Making love with you
Being intimate with you is one of the few things that bring me true happiness.
Has left me peaceful warm and tired
Intimacy with you has a profound and calming effect on me.
What more could I ask
There's nothing more I could want in this moment.
There's nothing left to be desired
My desires have been fulfilled and I am perfectly content.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
Finding inner peace is exhausting but rewarding.
Sleep, silent angel go to sleep
I'm ready to rest after finding peace within myself.
Sometimes all I need
Occasionally, it's the little things that matter most.
Is the air that I breathe
The simple things in life, like breathing, are often taken for granted.
And to love you
Loving you is one of the greatest joys in my life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
1978garfield
This is amazing.
I have read that it was Produced by Warren Zevon.
That would make sense since he had been the band leader for the touring Everly Brothers band.
Oh, to have been around and had a chance to catch some of the shows with the Everlys and Warren Zevon.
The Everlys were both blessed and cursed to have been brothers and to be arround when they were.
Together they made some of the best music ever.
Once the British Invasion came along they were still making great records but they "couldn't get arrested" as the expression goes, in US for a few years after that.
Then once they split up no one wanted them as individuals.
First they had to hear "You guys are old hat. Why can't you sound like the Beatles or the Byrds? They are the with it sound of today!"
Of course the Beatles, Byrds and many other bands were influenced by the Everlys.
Then when they split up and tried somthing different all they heard was "Where is your brother?"
That had to be frustrating.
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 and featured on his album "It Never Rains In Southern California", released on 1972-08-16.
2) 1973 • Philip Everly (from Everly Brothers) sings it (this one version) 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" (adaptation 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.
Some people even suggest the song itself is adapted/inspired from older songs making it appearing in the 1930's in the first place ?!... Who knows...
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. 🤷🏻♂️
carol owen
I never knew that Phil Everly sung this before the Hollies. What a beautiful voice he had.
Alison Grundy
Most perfect vocals I’ve ever heard and had the pleasure to listen to live. Best duo ever to grace us with their voices
Archangel Music
it's a good thing he did because he sent this album to the hollies, with a message saying i know you guys like the everly brothers, so i thought maybe you'd like to record one of my songs, and the hollies chose the 1 song on the album phil didn't write.
Linda Linda
What a beautiful rendition. Phil's voice is so sweet & soothing to hear. Absolutely beautiful.
Andy Galvan
Hi Linda💐💐
Carole Linda
Loved EB but from the very beginning, Phil was my favorite. He was always a gentleman and you just knew he was a kind and gentle soul.
Barbara Dunn
Beautiful!!! Phil was my favorite!!! He had the best voice and the hardest job doing the harmonizing. He is what made the EB sound!!!
Andy Galvan
Hi Barbara 💐💐
Julia Read
Don't get me wrong The Hollies were amazing with this one but Phil brings such a sweet tenderness , so pure and beautiful . Wow he and his brother Don were just magical 💖
Omar Seddik
The original version is not from The Hollies but from the greatest: Albert Hammond..