The Air that I Breathe
k.d.lang 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 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
In "The Air That I Breathe," k.d. lang expresses her satisfaction with the state of her life, where everything she needs is already at her fingertips. The opening lyrics state that she has no needs, enumerating many of the things that people might consider basic necessities, such as food, light, and sound. However, the only thing she truly needs is the peace that comes from being with her partner. She is content in the moment and is not looking for anything more.
The chorus of the song repeats that all k.d. lang needs is the air she breathes and her love. It's a simple statement but is packed with meaning. It is through this love that she finds her peace and happiness. The final verse repeats the sentiment that peace has come upon her and that it leaves her weak, so she asks her partner to sleep silently beside her.
Overall, the song is a beautiful expression of contentment and love. It speaks to the idea that sometimes the simplest things in life, such as love and companionship, are the most valuable.
Line by Line Meaning
If I could make a wish I think I'd pass
There is nothing lacking in my life such that I would not even bother to make a wish
Can't think of anything I need
I am content with everything I have and do not need anything else
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Even without material needs such as cigarettes, sleep, light, or sound, I am still content
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Even without basic needs such as food or entertainment like books, I am still content
Making love with you
Having an intimate relationship with you brings me great joy and fulfillment
Has left me peaceful, warm and tired
Being intimate with you has brought me a sense of calmness, warmth, and exhaustion in a pleasant way
What else could I ask
I cannot think of anything else that would make me happier
There's nothing to be desired
I am completely satisfied and do not long for anything else
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
The peace I feel is so overwhelming that it makes me weak
So sleep, silent angel go to sleep
I am in such a state of contentment that I want to rest and be at peace
Sometimes all I need
There are times when the only thing I require
Is the air that I breathe
Is something as simple as breathing air
And to love you
And to have an intimate relationship with you
All I need is the air that I breathe
My desires and needs are very simple and basic
Making love with you
Being intimate with you and expressing my love for you
Has left me peaceful, warm and tired
This intimate connection has given me a great sense of peace, comfort, and exhaustion, but in a good way
What more could I ask
I am completely satisfied and do not desire anything else
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
The contentment I feel is so overwhelming that it leaves me feeling weak
So sleep, silent angel go to sleep
At this point, I simply want to rest and be at peace
All I need is the air that I breathe
My needs are basic, and do not require anything more than simple things
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BILLY PRESTON, BRUCE FISHER, BRUCE CARLETON FISHER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind