The Meaning Behind The Song: The Air I Breathe by Teena Marie
| Title | The Air I Breathe |
|---|---|
| Artist | Teena Marie |
| Writer/Composer | Teena Marie |
| Album | Passion Play (1994) |
| Release Date | 1994 |
| Genre | R&B, Soul |
| Producer |
The Air I Breathe, released in 1994, is a soulful R&B song written and performed by the late Teena Marie. As the title suggests, the song carries deep meaning and reflects the profound love and dependency the singer feels for her significant other. With its heartfelt lyrics and soul-stirring melody, this song has touched the hearts of many listeners.
Teena Marie’s powerful vocals combined with the beautiful arrangement weave a captivating tapestry of emotions. The lyrics speak of a transcendent love that is all-encompassing and vital, much like the air we breathe.
Personally, this song has always held a special place in my heart. I first heard it during a challenging period in my life when I was going through a difficult breakup. The lyrics resonated with me deeply as they captured the immense love and significance of the person I had lost. The song became a source of solace and a reminder of the bond we once shared.
The opening lines, “Somewhere cross the galaxies, Your hand reached out to shelter me,” evoke a sense of divine intervention and cosmic connection. It portrays a love story that transcends earthly boundaries, almost like a fated encounter. This imagery beautifully captures the depth of the singer’s love for her partner.
The chorus, “You’re the air I breathe, You’re the songs I sing, You’re the rain that makes the roses grow, The earth beneath my feet, The wind and waving wheat,” reinforces the idea of the loved one being an integral part of the singer’s existence. The metaphoric representation of love as elements of nature highlights its vital role in the singer’s life.
Teena Marie’s emotional delivery and the heartfelt lyrics make it clear that this love is all-encompassing and irreplaceable. The lines, “Morning brings a brand new song, Playing for you all along, Melody and lyric you must know,” further illustrate the deep connection and shared musical language between the singer and her partner.
The song acknowledges the duality of love, as expressed in the lines, “A time to reap and then a time to sow.” It recognizes the ups and downs, the joys and sorrows that come with any relationship. Despite the challenges, the singer acknowledges that her love for her partner is unwavering.
The bridge of the song beautifully declares, “And just like rivers flow, I will always love you, You are the very air I breathe, My life, my love, my heaven and my all.” These lines encapsulate the depth and intensity of the singer’s devotion. It speaks to the eternal nature of love and how it becomes an inseparable part of one’s being.
Reflecting on my own experiences, this song has been a source of comfort and an expression of the profound love and loss I have felt. It reminds me of the deep connections we form in life and how they shape and define us. The Air I Breathe resonates with anyone who has experienced the depths of love and understands the pain of separation.
In conclusion, The Air I Breathe by Teena Marie is a soulful and heartfelt ballad that explores the profound love and dependency the singer feels for her partner. Through its emotional lyrics and soul-stirring melody, the song expresses the all-encompassing nature of love. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and the deep connections we form in our lives. This timeless song continues to touch the hearts of listeners and remains a testament to Teena Marie’s talent as both a singer and songwriter.
