Breathe

In 'Breathe,' Basement delves into the emotional turmoil of a fractured relationship. The song opens with a plea for normalcy, as the narrator asks their partner to 'smile, like it was yesterday' and 'make me believe that you're the same.' This longing for the past highlights a deep sense of nostalgia and a desire to return to a time when things were simpler and happier. The act of 'biting on my tongue' suggests a suppression of true feelings, indicating that the narrator is struggling to maintain a facade of normalcy despite the underlying issues.

The chorus, 'Breathe, take in everything. Become a person that I hate,' reveals a complex mix of emotions. On one hand, the act of breathing in everything could symbolize acceptance and moving forward. On the other hand, becoming a person that the narrator hates suggests a transformation that is painful and difficult to accept. This duality reflects the internal conflict of wanting to move on but being unable to fully let go of the past.

The latter part of the song explores themes of isolation and despair. The lines 'If I close my eyes, for long enough. Would I die, or would I just get lost?' convey a sense of hopelessness and a desire to escape from the emotional pain. The narrator's hope that their partner doesn't find them indicates a wish to be left alone to deal with their feelings, further emphasizing the depth of their emotional struggle. The repeated questioning of whether closing their eyes would lead to death or simply getting lost underscores the uncertainty and confusion that often accompanies the end of a significant relationship.

Overall, 'Breathe' by Basement is a poignant exploration of the complexities of letting go and the emotional challenges that come with it. The song captures the raw, unfiltered emotions of heartbreak, making it a relatable and powerful piece for anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken relationship.