Breath After Breath

Duran Duran's 'Breath After Breath' is a poetic exploration of life's cyclical nature, blending English and Portuguese lyrics to create a rich tapestry of meaning. The song opens with a sense of disorientation, as the narrator wakes up in a room without knowing where they come from or where they are going. This sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and existential reflection. The invocation of 'Senhora musa da paz' (Lady Muse of Peace) suggests a longing for guidance and comfort, as the narrator seeks solace in the embrace of a higher power or muse.

The recurring phrase 'Breath after breath' serves as a metaphor for the continuous, rhythmic nature of life. It underscores the idea that life is a series of moments, each one leading to the next, much like breaths. The lyrics 'From where I stand, the truth isn't black and white' highlight the complexity and ambiguity of existence. Life is portrayed as a blend of love and conflict, joy and sorrow, all of which are integral to the human experience. The song's imagery of 'circles in sand' being washed away by the sea further emphasizes the transient nature of life, suggesting that our actions and experiences are fleeting but part of a larger, eternal cycle.

The song also touches on themes of love and connection. The lines 'Faz o mundo ficar novo e dançar no colo do tal de amor' (Make the world new and dance in the lap of love) evoke a sense of renewal and the transformative power of love. The dance metaphor is particularly significant, symbolizing the rhythm and flow of life, as well as the interconnectedness of all beings. The closing lines, 'And birth is just a breath after breath,' encapsulate the song's central message: life is a continuous cycle of beginnings and endings, each breath leading to the next, in an eternal dance of existence.