Breath (feat. Taeyeon)

JongHyun's song 'Breath (With Taeyeon)' is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the enduring pain of separation. The lyrics convey a deep sense of regret and longing, as the protagonist reflects on a past relationship that still haunts him. The opening lines reveal an impulsive phone call, driven by an overwhelming need to reconnect, despite the pain it might cause. This sets the tone for the entire song, where the protagonist is caught between the desire to move on and the inability to let go of cherished memories.

The recurring theme of breath and breathing serves as a powerful metaphor throughout the song. Breathing, a fundamental act of life, becomes a symbol of the protagonist's struggle to cope with daily existence without his loved one. The lyrics describe how even the simple act of breathing feels more challenging than dying, highlighting the depth of his emotional turmoil. The mention of hearing the ex-lover's breath as a source of comfort underscores the lingering connection and the difficulty of completely severing ties.

The song also delves into the mutual pain experienced by both parties in the relationship. Despite promising to let each other go for the sake of their well-being, the protagonist admits to breaking down in tears at the mere thought of his ex. This shared suffering is a testament to the profound impact they had on each other's lives. The closing lines express a desperate hope for occasional contact, even if it's just the sound of the ex-lover's breath, as a way to find solace in moments of unbearable loneliness. JongHyun and Taeyeon's emotive delivery adds an extra layer of depth to the song, making it a heartfelt ode to the complexities of love and the enduring pain of separation.