Breathe

The song 'Breathe' by The Warning delves into the intense emotions of struggle and the desire for relief from pain. The lyrics metaphorically use the imagery of cold water and the act of drowning to depict feelings of overwhelming distress and isolation. The opening lines, 'The water's getting way too cold / I thought it'd learn to keep me warm,' suggest an initial hope or expectation that has been unmet, leading to a chilling disappointment that pervades the singer's existence.

As the song progresses, the imagery intensifies with the water 'reaching down my throat' and 'freezing all my bones,' illustrating the invasive and paralyzing effect of the singer's emotional or mental state. The struggle to stay afloat and the mention of something sinister 'down there' that wants the singer close, further paints a picture of battling with inner demons or depression, trying desperately to survive against an unseen force that pulls one deeper into despair.

The chorus questions the validity of wanting to feel 'alright' and equates being 'perfect in pain' as a constant state, suggesting a resignation to suffering as a norm. This poignant reflection encapsulates the cyclical nature of the singer's battle, where moments of seeking help and trying to 'breathe' are met with the stark reality of isolation and the unattainability of peace.