Oxygen
Willy Mason Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I want to be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.

I want to see through all the lies of society
To the reality, happiness is at stake
I want to hold up my head with dignity
Proud of a life where to give means more than to take
I wan't to live beyond the modern mentality
Where paper is all that you're really taught to create
Do you remember the forgotten America?
Justice, equality, freedom to every race?
Just need to get past all the lies and hypocrisy
Make up and hair to the truth behind every face
That look around to all the people you see,
How many of them are happy and free?
I know it sounds like a dream
But it's the only thing that can get me to sleep at night
I know it's hard to believe
But it's easy to see that something here isn't right
I know the future looks dark
But it's there that the kids of today must carry the light.

On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.

If I'm afraid to catch a dream
I weave your baskets and I'll float them down the river stream
Each one i weave with words i speak to carry love to your relief.

I want to be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning




Until i'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew

Overall Meaning

The song "Oxygen" by Willy Mason is a powerful anthem that expresses the artist's desire to be something greater than just the air we breathe. The lyrics offer a message of hope and empowerment to those who feel overwhelmed by the complexities of modern society. The first verse speaks to the idea of providing support and strength to those in need, particularly children who may struggle with feelings of alienation or inadequacy. The second verse delves deeper into the themes of societal lies and the importance of finding a higher purpose in life. The chorus serves as a refrain that emphasizes the cyclical nature of the world and the need to constantly renew oneself in order to keep up with it.


The line, "I want to be better than oxygen, so you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees" is particularly poignant, as it speaks to the idea of being a source of comfort and strength for those who are struggling. The line, "I want to hold up my head with dignity, proud of a life where to give means more than to take" speaks to the importance of leading a meaningful and purpose-driven life.


Overall, "Oxygen" is a song about hope, empowerment, and the human potential for greatness. It is a call to action for individuals to take control of their own lives, to fight against societal lies and injustice, and to strive for something greater than themselves.


Line by Line Meaning

I want to be better than oxygen
I want to be so important to you that you can rely on me when you are in dire situations.


So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to be your lifeline so that you can have a moment of respite when you feel helpless.


I want to speak louder than Ritalin
I want to have a greater impact on children's well-being than chemical medication by being a role model they can look up to.


For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to inspire hope in children who feel out of place or unwell due to societal expectations and standards.


I want to be cooler than t.v.
I want to offer guidance and perspective to kids who are unsure of what they want to do in life, rather than letting television media have a greater influence on them.


For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
I want to be a source of encouragement and inspiration for young people in discovering their unique path in life.


We can be stronger than bombs
We can have greater impact on the world by the power of music, meaningful messages and collaboration; we don't need violence and destruction to make our mark.


If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
If you are passionate and committed to a cause, you can create change and persuade others to join you through music and voice.


We can be richer than industry
We can achieve greater fulfillment in life when we value things that matter like love, happiness, and kindness, over materialistic possessions and wealth.


As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
If we realize that our lives can be simpler and more meaningful by being grateful for what we have and not accumulating things we don't need, we can experience abundance in its truest sense.


We can speak louder than ignorance
Our silence can be louder than our words when we show acceptance, respect, and understanding towards people of different backgrounds and beliefs in our everyday interactions.


Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.
Our eyes can convey genuine warmth and compassion without uttering a word, and our actions can speak louder than words.


The world it just keeps spinning
The never-ending cycle of life, work, and routine can be overwhelming and never seem to stop, but we can break the cycle and take a moment to breathe and reset.


Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
We can be so consumed and disoriented by the stress and responsibilities of life that it becomes crucial to take a step back and take a break to regain our balance.


So close my eyes and start again anew.
By taking a moment to rest and reflect, we can clear our minds, recharge our spirits, and approach each day with a fresh perspective and a hopeful heart.


I want to see through all the lies of society
I want to break through the facade of societal norms and expectations and see the reality of what matters in life.


To the reality, happiness is at stake
To be true to oneself and one's values, rather than conforming to social norms, is the key to finding genuine happiness and fulfillment in life.


I want to hold up my head with dignity
I want to carry myself with respect and poise, and live a life where giving back to others and making a difference is more important than achieving personal gain.


Proud of a life where to give means more than to take
I want to value and prioritize acts of giving and kindness, rather than obsess over material wealth or personal success, as the most meaningful aspect of my life.


I wan't to live beyond the modern mentality
I want to break free from the superficiality and materialism of today's society and live a life with deeper meaning and purpose.


Where paper is all that you're really taught to create
Where society places greater emphasis on papers and diplomas as the markers of success and identity, instead of valuing creativity, empathy, and kindness.


Do you remember the forgotten America?
Do you recall the values and dreams of a time when justice, equality, and freedom were the hallmarks of America, and those ideals were upheld and defended for every race.


Justice, equality, freedom to every race?
Justice, equality, and freedom should be extended to and upheld for every individual, regardless of their race, gender, or background.


Just need to get past all the lies and hypocrisy
We need to overcome the deceit and double standards in society to expose the truth and create a more genuine culture where honesty and integrity are the norm.


Make up and hair to the truth behind every face
We need to look beyond outward appearances and societal constructs, and see every person for who they truly are and the unique value they bring to society.


How many of them are happy and free?
We need to ask ourselves how many people around us are truly content and unburdened by societal expectations and constructs, and how we can help each other find true happiness.


I know it sounds like a dream
Realizing a society where honesty, kindness, acceptance, and respect are the norm may seem distant or impossible to achieve, but it is worth pursuing as a dream.


But it's the only thing that can get me to sleep at night
Pursuing an ideal society and working towards greater goodness in the world can bring me peace and contentment, even amidst the turmoil and uncertainties of life.


I know it's hard to believe
It can be difficult to believe in the possibility of a better society, especially when we are constantly exposed to corruption, injustice, and cruelty in the world.


But it's easy to see that something here isn't right
Regardless of whether we believe in the possibility of a better world, it is evident that something is broken in our society- people are discontent, disconnected, or struggling, and need hope.


I know the future looks dark
The uncertainties and challenges of the future can seem overwhelming, and it's easy to be pessimistic or frightened of what's to come.


But it's there that the kids of today must carry the light.
It is up to the younger generation, who can still be filled with idealism, passion, and hope, to carry the torch and work towards creating a brighter future for themselves and future generations.


If I'm afraid to catch a dream
If I'm too anxious or fearful to follow my dreams or pursue something that seems daunting or impossible to achieve.


I weave your baskets and I'll float them down the river stream
I will use my skills and abilities to help others' dreams and goals come to fruition, even if it means starting small or taking an unconventional approach.


Each one i weave with words i speak to carry love to your relief.
I will use my words and actions to instill love, hope, and comfort in others who are struggling or seeking guidance.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JENNA RACHAEL MCDOUGALL, WHAKAIO EUBEN TAAHI

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@FG-sj8su

Lyrics:

I want to be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.
On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.
I want to see through all the lies of society
To the reality, happiness is at stake
I want to hold up my head with dignity
Proud of a life where to give means more than to take
I wan't to live beyond the modern mentality
Where paper is all that you're really taught to create
Do you remember the forgotten America?
Justice, equality, freedom to every race?
Just need to get past all the lies and hypocrisy
Make up and hair to the truth behind every face
That look around to all the people you see,
How many of them are happy and free?
I know it sounds like a dream
But it's the only thing that can get me to sleep at night
I know it's hard to believe
But it's easy to see that something here isn't right
I know the future looks dark
But it's there that the kids of today must carry the light.
On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.
If I'm afraid to catch a dream
I weave your baskets and I'll float them down the river stream
Each one i weave with words i speak to carry love to your relief.
I want to be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.
On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until i'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew



@johnames1987

I want to be better than oxygen

So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees

I want to speak louder than Ritalin

For all the children who think that they've got a disease

I want to be cooler than t.v.

For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be

We can be stronger than bombs

If you're singing along and you know that you really believe

We can be richer than industry

As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need

We can speak louder than ignorance

Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on, and on it goes

The world it just keeps spinning

Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe

So close my eyes and start again anew.

I want to see through all the lies of society

To the reality, happiness is at stake

I want to hold up my head with dignity

Proud of a life where to give means more than to take

I wan't to live beyond the modern mentality

Where paper is all that you're really taught to create

Do you remember the forgotten America?

Justice, equality, freedom to every race?

Just need to get past all the lies and hypocrisy

Make up and hair to the truth behind every face

That look around to all the people you see,

How many of them are happy and free?

I know it sounds like a dream

But it's the only thing that can get me to sleep at night

I know it's hard to believe

But it's easy to see that something here isn't right

I know the future looks dark

But it's there that the kids of today must carry the light.

On and on, and on, and on it goes

The world it just keeps spinning

Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe

So close my eyes and start again anew.

If I'm afraid to catch a dream

I weave your baskets and I'll float them down the river stream

Each one i weave with words i speak to carry love to your relief.

I want to be better than oxygen

So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees

I want to speak louder than Ritalin

For all the children who think that they've got a disease

I want to be cooler than t.v.

For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be

We can be stronger than bombs

If you're singing along and you know that you really believe

We can be richer than industry

As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need

We can speak louder than ignorance

Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on, and on it goes

The world it just keeps spinning

Until i'm dizzy, time to breathe

So close my eyes and start again anew



@chainyrabbit

I want to be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.

I want to see through all the lies of society
To the reality, happiness is at stake
I want to hold up my head with dignity
Proud of a life where to give means more than to take
I wan't to live beyond the modern mentality
Where paper is all that you're really taught to create
Do you remember the forgotten America?
Justice, equality, freedom to every race?
Just need to get past all the lies and hypocrisy
Make up and hair to the truth behind every face
That look around to all the people you see,
How many of them are happy and free?
I know it sounds like a dream
But it's the only thing that can get me to sleep at night
I know it's hard to believe
But it's easy to see that something here isn't right
I know the future looks dark
But it's there that the kids of today must carry the light.

On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until I'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew.

If I'm afraid to catch a dream
I weave your baskets and I'll float them down the river stream
Each one i weave with words i speak to carry love to your relief.

I want to be better than oxygen
So you can breathe when you're drowning and weak in the knees
I want to speak louder than Ritalin
For all the children who think that they've got a disease
I want to be cooler than t.v.
For all the kids that are wondering what they are going to be
We can be stronger than bombs
If you're singing along and you know that you really believe
We can be richer than industry
As long as we know that there's things that we don't really need
We can speak louder than ignorance
Cause we speak in silence every time our eyes meet.

On and on, and on, and on it goes
The world it just keeps spinning
Until i'm dizzy, time to breathe
So close my eyes and start again anew



All comments from YouTube:

@WtZuck

This was my best friends favorite song. He was a youth counselor. He unfortunately succumbed to his demons and ended his life about 5 years ago. I still remember listening to this for the first time together in our buddies' living room and thinking it accurately described what he sought to be to others and to the world. Recently I had been seeking out and listening to songs that for whatever reason, I COULD NOT listen to because of the negative emotions attached to hearing them. I made it through all of them. Except this one, man. I've realized I'd slowly numbed off over the years for protection and wish I hadn't. If anyone would and could help me through this feeling, it would be him. I don't make these types of posts on youtube, especially a great song such as this, but together, we can be better than oxygen.

@michaelluder4670

I think music is the answer x

@scottmcadam4509

That is tradgic ! It's tough loosing a friend, thx for posting , I have lost several friends, It really hurts but I will always treasure the time we had , Lets raise a glass to our fallen bros , died too young but live on in our hearts :)

@rasputyn187

strength to ya bud <3

@vidhyashreenagaraju2581

Sending Love man 🙏🏽

@TheBoz1512

Oof... I didn't think this song could hit me any harder. I love this song, I love you, and I love your friend <3

11 More Replies...

@rollmops3113

Heard this song on the radio once about twenty years ago and have been looking for it ever since! Finally found it today 💗💗💗

@TheKimels

This song should be as famous as "Imagine"

@jussymucky

Amazing, my brother Billy passed away 7 years today. Loved listening to this song together. Music is the answer xxx

@neilcampbell8499

Rip billy xx thinkin about u both just now

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