Breathe

David Gilmour's 'Breathe' is a contemplative exploration of life's fleeting nature and the pursuit of meaning within it. The song opens with an invitation to 'Breathe, breathe in the air,' urging listeners to embrace life fully and without fear. The line 'Don't be afraid to care' suggests that emotional engagement and empathy are essential parts of the human experience. The lyrics 'Leave but don't leave me' and 'Look around and choose your own ground' emphasize the importance of independence and personal choice while maintaining connections with others.

The chorus, 'Long you live and high you fly / And smiles you'll give and tears you'll cry,' encapsulates the highs and lows of life. It underscores the idea that our experiences, both joyful and sorrowful, define our existence. The phrase 'And all you touch and all you see / Is all your life will ever be' serves as a reminder that our perceptions and interactions shape our reality.

The second verse introduces a more cynical view of life's laborious cycle with 'Run, rabbit run. / Dig that hole, forget the sun.' This imagery portrays the relentless grind of work and the futility of endless toil. The line 'And when at last the work is done / Don't sit down it's time to dig another one' highlights the never-ending nature of human endeavors. The verse concludes with a stark warning: 'But only if you ride the tide / And balanced on the biggest wave / You race towards an early grave,' suggesting that the pursuit of success and balance can lead to burnout and an untimely end.

The final verse shifts to a more serene and reflective tone with 'Home, home again / I like to be here when I can.' This part of the song evokes a sense of comfort and peace found in returning home. The imagery of warming 'my bones beside the fire' contrasts with the earlier themes of relentless work and existential struggle. The closing lines, 'Far away across the field / The tolling of the iron bell / Calls the faithful to their knees / To hear the softly spoken magic spells,' introduce a spiritual dimension, hinting at the search for deeper meaning and solace in faith or ritual.