Breathe Again

Sara Bareilles' song "Breathe Again" delves deep into the emotional turmoil of a broken relationship. The opening lines set the scene with a car packed and ready to leave, symbolizing a significant departure and the end of a chapter. The lyrics reflect on the comfort and familiarity of a past love, represented by the warm glow of a porch light. This imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for what once was, highlighting the difficulty of moving on from a place that still feels like home.

The chorus reveals the depth of the protagonist's pain and dependence on their former partner. Describing the ex-lover as the "air I would kill to breathe" underscores the essential and life-sustaining nature of this relationship. Despite this intense connection, the protagonist is left searching for something more, feeling out of breath and hoping to find the strength to breathe again. This metaphor of breathlessness captures the suffocating feeling of loss and the desperate need for emotional relief and healing.

As the song progresses, the lyrics explore the vulnerability and exposure that come with intimacy. The protagonist's secrets become truths shared with the partner, and the protective distance that once provided shelter is now painfully apparent. The burden of a love that can no longer be carried is a poignant theme, emphasizing the weight of unresolved emotions and the struggle to let go. The repeated refrain of "It hurts to be here" encapsulates the agony of remaining in a place of heartache, while the hope of breathing again signifies a yearning for eventual recovery and peace.