Coming up for Air
Zoot Woman Lyrics


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Am I a friend or your lover
In expectation of your company
Instinct, fate, isolation
Solitude left us this way

You are the one
It's clear that I can't turn away
The past we'll crucify
We're coming up for air

A new beginning
The day has come, a chance to breathe again
Could never fall, we're bound together
By promises, the promises we made

You are the one
It's clear that I can't turn away
The past we'll crucify
We're coming up for air
Here lies what's ours to stay
Never could justify




We'll walk on solid ground
We're coming up for air

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Zoot Woman's "Coming Up For Air" are a reflection of the complexity of relationships and the struggle to define one's role within them. The first verse poses the question of whether the singer is a friend or a lover to their companion, and suggests that their meeting was fated through instinct and isolation. The hesitation about their relationship is palpable, but the chorus reassures us that the singer and their companion are bound by unbreakable promises and are coming up for air, beginning anew.


The second verse continues the theme of a fresh start, and emphasizes the relief that comes with "a chance to breathe again". By crucifying the past, the singer and their companion leave behind what cannot be justified and move forward confidently on "solid ground". The repetition of "you are the one" reinforces the centrality of the singer's companion in their life, and underscores the significance of the promises they have made to each other.


The tone of the song is both wistful and hopeful, capturing the uneasy transition between old and new relationships, while acknowledging the possibility of a strong and enduring bond. Overall, "Coming Up For Air" is a poignant meditation on the complexity of human relationships and the transformative power of new beginnings.


Line by Line Meaning

Am I a friend or your lover
Questioning the nature of our relationship, are we just platonic friends or something more?


In expectation of your company
Anticipating your arrival, longing for your presence.


Instinct, fate, isolation
Our actions guided by natural impulses, predetermined destiny, and a sense of detachment from the world.


Solitude left us this way
Being alone has led us to where we are now, possibly the reason for our current emotional state.


You are the one
You're significant to me, and I can't ignore that.


It's clear that I can't turn away
I can't resist you, I'm drawn to you.


The past we'll crucify
We'll put our past mistakes behind us and learn from them, rather than letting them continue to haunt us.


We're coming up for air
We're taking a break, stepping out of our problems to breathe and reevaluate our lives.


A new beginning
Starting fresh, leaving any past issues behind.


The day has come, a chance to breathe again
There's finally an opportunity to take a break, perhaps from something suffocating or overwhelming.


Could never fall, we're bound together
We'll always be attached, never to fall apart completely.


By promises, the promises we made
Our relationship is held together by the vows and commitments we've made to each other.


Here lies what's ours to stay
What we have is permanent and will remain.


Never could justify
We can't explain, or possibly defend, what has happened in our relationship.


We'll walk on solid ground
We have a stable platform on which to base our future together.


We're coming up for air
We're reemerging, collecting ourselves, and preparing for what's to come.




Contributed by Julia N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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