Her singing talent has lent itself to a wide range of genres, although earlier works, such as 'Angel With a Lariat' and 'Absolute Torch and Twang' (the last of which won her a Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance) were predominantly country, with hints of jazz and salsa. Later works, including Ingénue and All You Can Eat, were more pop-ish in execution. No matter the genre, all left her talent undeniable. She has since garnered four grammys and many other awards, and was even made an officer of the Order of Canada in 1996, Canada's highest civilian honour.
The Air that I Breathe
k.d. lang Lyrics
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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 else could I ask
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel go to sleep
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful, warm and tired
What more could I ask
There's nothing to be desired
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel go to sleep
Sleep silent angel, go to sleep
The lyrics of k.d. lang's "The Air That I Breathe" describe a feeling of contentment and a sense of completeness that comes from the simple pleasures of life, like being in love and having someone to share your life with. The song begins with the singer remarking that they would not want to make a wish even if they could because they have everything they need. They don't need material possessions like cigarettes, sleep, light, or sound, and they don't need anything to read, they have all they need in their present moment.
The song's central theme is the importance of their lover's presence, which provides them with a sense of completeness and peace. The second stanza reveals that making love with this person has left the singer feeling peaceful, warm, and tired, which they describe as a desirable state. Having their lover in their life has fulfilled them, leaving nothing to be desired, and the simple pleasure of being with-their lover is enough for them. The chorus of the song emphasizes that all the singer needs is the air that they breathe and to love their partner.
The song closes with a repetition of its earlier lines, "peace came upon me and it leaves me weak, so sleep, silent angel, go to sleep". This line suggests that the peace and contentment that the singer experiences with their lover can be overwhelming, leaving them weak and in need of rest. The final line of the song is an invitation for their lover to sleep, indicating that they will also find peace and rest in their lover's presence.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish I think I'd pass
I cannot think of anything worth wishing for.
Can't think of anything I need
I have everything I could possibly want or need.
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
I do not desire any physical or sensory experiences.
Nothing to eat, no books to read
I do not even require basic necessities or entertainment.
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful, warm and tired
The intimacy we share together soothes and fulfills me emotionally, physically and mentally.
What else could I ask
There's nothing to be desired
I am completely content and satisfied.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel go to sleep
The tranquility and comfort has exhausted me so I am asking for peaceful rest.
Sometimes all I need
Is the air that I breathe
And to love you
I am really grateful for the simple things in life, like the air that keeps me alive, and the love that we share together.
All I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
I have everything I could ever want, the necessities and the love that sustains me.
All I need is the air that I breathe
The only requirement I have in life is the air that I breathe to survive.
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel go to sleep
Sleep silent angel, go to sleep
The peace that I feel has exhausted me, and I am wishing for quiet slumber to restore my strength.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind