Breathing Fine

Oren Lavie's song 'Breathing Fine' delves into the nuanced experience of coping with the aftermath of a significant relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional landscape following a breakup, where the familiar feeling of falling and the lingering pain in the stomach symbolize the ongoing struggle with heartache. The imagery of bright colors fading too early and strangers looking stranger underscores the disorientation and sense of loss that accompanies such a personal upheaval.

The song's narrative continues with the poignant observation of flowers left behind dying in the heat, and the haunting presence of the ex-partner's face seen in others on the street. These lines reflect the difficulty of moving on and the pervasive reminders of what once was. The hope that the ex-partner likes their new neighbors and the caution against sleeping with strangers hint at a lingering concern and care, despite the separation. The loneliness that strikes at night contrasts with the assertion that 'most of the time, I'm breathing fine,' suggesting a facade of normalcy during the day.

Lavie further explores the theme of partial healing, describing half of himself as still infected and untouched by water or sleep. The room as a cage and the failed attempts to write to the ex-partner illustrate the confinement and frustration of unresolved emotions. Despite these struggles, the protagonist finds solace in familiar places, self-talk, and the arts—playing through great composers and relying on wine and prose to get through the nights. The song concludes with a reflection on turning thirty-one, the acceptance of not growing wings but learning to run, and a final wish for the ex-partner's safety. The repeated refrain of 'most of the time, I'm breathing fine' encapsulates the resilience and determination to keep moving forward, even when the nights are lonely.