In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
I know what you're doing, I see it all too clear
I only taste the saline when I kiss away your tears
You really had me goin', wishing on a star
The black holes that surround you are heavier by far
I believed in your confusion, you were so completely torn
It must've been that yesterday was the day that I was born
There's not much to examine, nothing left to hide
You really can't be serious
If you have to ask me why I say goodbye
'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
You're worth the price, the price that I would pay
And everyone keeps asking, "What's it all about?"
I used to be so certain and I can't figure out
What is this attraction?
I only feel the pain
Nothing left to reason and only you to blame
Will it ever change?
'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
You're worth the price, the price that I would pay
But I'm thinking it over anyway
I'm thinking it over anyway
I've come to find I may never know
Your changing mind, is it friend or foe?
I rise above or sink below
With every time you come and go
Please don't come and go
'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
You're worth the price, the price that I would pay
But I'm thinking it over anyway
I'm thinking it over anyway
And I know what you're doin'
I see it all too clear
I only taste the saline when I kiss away your tears
You really had me goin', wishing on a star
The black holes that surround you are heavier by far
I believed in your confusion, you were so completely torn
It must've been that yesterday was the day that I was born
There's not much to examine, nothing left to hide
You really can't be serious
If you have to ask me why I say goodbye
'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
You're worth the price, the price that I would pay
And everyone keeps asking, "What's it all about?"
I used to be so certain and I can't figure out
What is this attraction?
I only feel the pain
Nothing left to reason and only you to blame
Will it ever change?
'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
You're worth the price, the price that I would pay
But I'm thinking it over anyway
I'm thinking it over anyway
I've come to find I may never know
Your changing mind, is it friend or foe?
I rise above or sink below
With every time you come and go
Please don't come and go
'Cause I am barely breathing
And I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding
Imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting
A fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price
You're worth the price, the price that I would pay
But I'm thinking it over anyway
I'm thinking it over anyway
And I know what you're doin'
I see it all too clear
Lyrics submitted by luthien tinuviel
Barely Breathing Lyrics as written by Duncan Sheik
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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This is one of my favorite songs... because from what I have experienced it holds true. In several occasions. It's obvious he doesn't want to let go something that's already falling apart. I have felt how you think you and that other person wants to work it out and still be together but how it's turning out, you get skeptical about how that person feels. Does that person really care? then if he/she is.. then why is this happening. And you are tainted with this problem, and like the other guy said too over-whelming that he "can't breathe." and about come and go... i guess she goes when she's mad at the situation but always comes back... u want it that way but then the painful cycle continues. you feel like a fool to have this keep on going.. but then you can't shake away hope.