The song "Breath of Air" by Grieves is about the internal struggles and emotional turmoil that the artist goes through. The lyrics depict a person who is torn between their childlike innocence and the pressures and expectations of adulthood. In the first verse, the artist describes themselves as simple, but with a complex heart. They feel like a puzzle, constantly searching for their identity and purpose. The contrast between the child and the adult is highlighted as the child runs freely while the man looks for solace in smoking cigars. The mention of dry eyes and taking shots at the moon with an empty pen suggests a feeling of emptiness and feeling lost. The artist feels misunderstood by society, being labeled as disturbed. They have learned to cope with life's difficulties at a young age, feeling like they are living with a plague. The metaphor of the trail most traveled represents their inner struggles. They feel heavy like a thought made of lead and are slowly sinking into despair. The artist wishes there was a better way to make others understand their thoughts, possibly through art, as they convey the saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. The chorus depicts a sense of desperation and confinement. There is something lurking in the basement, symbolizing their internal demons. They feel trapped and suffocated, trying to find a breath of air despite the challenges they face. The artist acknowledges that facing their issues may make others perceive them as crazy. The second verse continues to explore the artist's internal battles. They feel like a living monument of their mistakes, seeking redemption. The artist struggles to find a balance between their artistic desires and the person they are expected to be. They feel like a scapegoat with a flamethrower, destroying everything in their way. They fear that if the same patterns continue, they might not survive the challenges they face. The artist acknowledges their pain and tries to express it through art. They leak their emotions on the page, feeling the weight of their struggles. The mention of a bus falling from a broken bridge suggests an impending disaster. They feel constantly watched and pursued. They express a desire to escape their predicament, possibly by resorting to extreme measures. The bridge conveys the artist's sense of vulnerability and being misled. They were told they were fragile and incapable, but they soon realized these were lies. They find themselves in a difficult situation, trying to find a balance and navigate through the challenges. The artist has endured hardships but manages to survive and tell their story. Overall, "Breath of Air" by Grieves captures the internal conflicts, emotional turbulence, and longing for understanding that the artist experiences. It reflects a struggle between societal norms and personal desires, with a sense of urgency to find emotional release and stability.
