When Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark split around 1989, Paul Humphreys, M… Read Full Bio ↴When Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark split around 1989, Paul Humphreys, Malcolm Holmes and Martin Cooper formed a new band called The Listening Pool. They released the single Oil For The Lamps Of China in 1993, which was followed by the album Still Life in 1994. In 1996, while recording songs for a new album they decided to disband.

Breathless
The Listening Pool Lyrics

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I often sit and wonder
Why you never seem to learn
And as the tables turning
It will be my turn

And if you see me hurting
You always seem to turn away
And I wonder if you try to hold the truth

I'm breathless from you

Wherever we may go
Ever we may go
Where the river flows
Oh heaven knows

There's no turning back
When you hold your head up high
Hold your head up high
Never question why

There's no turning back
Sometimes I hear you calling
When I sit and close my eyes
I feel the power burning

It's burning me inside
And when I look before you
And I see what's left behind
And I wonder if you'll ever be the same

I'm breathless from you

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Listening Pool's "Breathless" reflect the feelings of hurt and confusion that arise when someone we care about repeatedly disappoints us. The singer wonders why the subject of the song "never seem[s] to learn" from their mistakes and faults, and notes that when the tables eventually turn, as they inevitably will, it will be her turn to hold the power in the relationship. However, despite the hurt and frustration caused by the subject's actions, the singer acknowledges feeling powerless in their presence - "I'm breathless from you."

The second verse of the song adds to the overall sense of unease and confusion, with the singer noting that "there's no turning back" from their current path, and that even when the subject of the song seems to call out to her, she feels a burning power inside that she cannot control. The final lines suggest that the singer is aware of the changes and losses that have occurred as a result of this hurtful relationship, and that she questions whether things will ever be the same again.

Overall, "Breathless" is a poignant and evocative song that captures the complexity of human relationships, particularly when they are fraught with tension and misunderstanding. By highlighting the power dynamics that exist between two people, and showing the vulnerability and pain that often accompany these imbalances, the song speaks to a deep and universal human experience that is sure to resonate with listeners.

Line by Line Meaning

I often sit and wonder
I frequently contemplate and ask myself

Why you never seem to learn
Why you continue to make the same mistakes and don't acquire knowledge

And as the tables turning
As situations change and roles reverse

It will be my turn
I will have the opportunity to act or speak next

And if you see me hurting
If you witness me suffering or in pain

You always seem to turn away
You consistently avoid or ignore the situation

And I wonder if you try to hold the truth
I am curious if you attempt to conceal or hide the truth

I'm breathless from you
I am overwhelmed or stunned by you

Wherever we may go
No matter where we journey

Ever we may go
However we may proceed

Where the river flows
Along the path of the river