breathe again

Joy Oladokun's 'breathe again' is a poignant exploration of personal struggle, redemption, and the quest for inner peace. The song opens with a vivid metaphor, describing the devil in the basement of her home, symbolizing the internal battles and demons that reside within. The proximity of these demons, just a flight of stairs away, underscores the constant and close nature of these struggles. The line 'collecting debts that I don't owe' suggests a sense of unjust burden and guilt that the artist feels, even though she may not be responsible for them.

The chorus delves deeper into the theme of seeking revival and honesty. Oladokun questions her intentions and the possibility of redemption, asking, 'If my intentions are good, why can't I come clean?' This line reflects the internal conflict between wanting to be good and the difficulty of achieving it. The repeated question, 'Will I ever breathe again?' signifies a longing for relief and a return to a state of peace and normalcy. The act of holding her breath until she is honest symbolizes the suffocating nature of living with unspoken truths and unresolved issues.

In the latter part of the song, Oladokun expresses a desire for resilience and faith. The imagery of the world being so heavy that she can't stand, yet closing her eyes to start again, illustrates the cyclical nature of struggle and renewal. The plea for faith to bend rather than break highlights the importance of flexibility and endurance in the face of adversity. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the ongoing nature of her quest for revival and the hope that one day she will be able to breathe freely again.