Lyric discussion by refractor82 

Cover art for Work lyrics by Jars of Clay

This may not be completely what the athors intended but I interpret the song to be talking about living a life holy for God. I find it very hard when I am not surrounding my self with fellow Christians with good teaching, insight and discussion.

"I have no fear of drowning, it's the breathing that's taking all this work." I too really like this line and its honesty. I relate to it this way: I don't have time to worry about "drowning" in or being consumed by the larger problems in my life when it is hard enough just living my life daily for God.