Breathe Lyrics

Lyric discussion by DevMinor 

Cover art for Breathe lyrics by Jawbox

This could very easily be a breakup song. The refrain references things coming to an end, not to mention the intimacy of the line “breathe in my face”. The verses, meanwhile, reference units of time (like a countdown) and secession and insurrection. It feels like the countdown to combat or opposition.

It doesn’t necessarily have to be about breaking up, though. It could be about death or disease, as referenced by the finality in the refrain. Or it could literally be about rebelling against a political force. I try to read that as a metaphor, though. Anything involving opposition or dissent. It could even be about murder. There's definitely enough evidence for that.