How We Breathe

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a suffocating, repetitive existence, where even fundamental actions like breathing feel unnatural and submerged. The recurring phrase "how we breathe underwater" immediately sets a tone of struggle and being out of one's element. This isn't about literal drowning, but a metaphorical one, suggesting a deep-seated unease or a relationship that's become a constant, draining effort. The insistence on the "same old park" and being "off the mark" highlights a frustrating cycle of familiar disappointments and missteps. The central tension lies in the conflict between this pervasive sense of being stuck and a desperate yearning for something more, for genuine connection or escape. The narrator expresses a desire to "lay on your ground" and "breathe in your atmosphere," indicating a longing for intimacy or a different reality. Yet, this desire is immediately followed by the unsettling realization that they are "guarded in my head" and burdened by "secrets," suggesting internal barriers that prevent this hoped-for closeness. The most striking aspect is the juxtaposition of the mundane "same old park" with the surreal "breathe underwater." This contrast amplifies the feeling of being trapped in a life that feels both ordinary and profoundly alienating. The repeated imagery of being "caught" and stations that "short you out" further emphasizes a loss of control and agency, as if external forces are actively working to isolate and diminish the narrator. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture that disorienting feeling of going through the motions while feeling fundamentally disconnected from oneself and others. The writing effectively uses surreal imagery to articulate a very real, internal struggle against stagnation and the elusive nature of true connection, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved longing.