Breathe lyrics meaning? - Page 2

JCOSTER · 03-08-2009, 09:42 PM

I think the 3 things are the Trinity
The salesman at the door, trying to sell him some new age religion
Courgage to walk out on the street and say that you believe
Your arms out welcoming maybe the Trinity or God

Got a love you can’t defeat
Neither down nor out
There’s nothing you have that I need
I can breathe
Breathe now

^ I have Gods love the salesman has nothing that he needs. Its a relief he can breathe.

[I][Walk out into the street
Sing your heart out/I]

Walk out on the street and profess your love for God tell everyone you meet.

wad2k · 03-09-2009, 08:18 PM

I'm still working my own interpretation of this song but the first part is obviously a reference to the Jehovah's Witnesses. I'll have to remember to have this song playing in the background when they storm my neighborhood this spring and I answer the door.

allisonk · 03-10-2009, 10:33 AM

Actually, Bono has family members that were door to door salesmen....Check out U2 by U2....

Stand Up Comedy · 03-10-2009, 12:40 PM

The greatest thing about U2 lyrics is it's really up to you as to what you get out of them. I believe the 16th of June is a very important date in history:

"The Soweto uprising or Soweto riots were a series of clashes in Soweto, South Africa on June 16, 1976 between black youths and the South African authorities. The riots grew out of protests against the policies of the National Party government and its apartheid regime. June 16 is now celebrated in South Africa as Youth Day."

On this day, children marched the streets and sang songs on their way to the school to protest their lack of education from the government.

There is an underlying theme in many of U2's songs for me, and "Breath" is a continuation of this message. Through music and songs, U2, people facing oppression, you and I, can and will uphold our faith, regardless of the difficulty we're facing or evil oppressing us. The songs represent faith.

"I will sing, sing a new song" from 40
"The songs are in your eyes" from Miracle Drug

U2 knows they've been blessed with an incredible talent and they choose to use this talent for good instead of evil. That's why they are the greatest band ever.

powerhour24 · 03-10-2009, 02:08 PM

I'm wondering if the 16th of june has more to do with when the songs were composed/take place, remember the concept of the songs all taking place within 24 hours.

EdgeVox · 03-10-2009, 02:16 PM

I read somewhere that this song was written on July 18th but Bono couldn't figure out how to fit his story into the lyrics which makes sense with the "Walk out into the streets; got a love you can't defeat" Me-against the world concept of the song.

All of this makes this song extra special to me because that's my birthday.

Still not sold on any of the "3 things I want you to know" btw
I kinda wish that wouldn't just disappear as a lyrical device

wad2k · 03-10-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wad2k

I'm still working my own interpretation of this song but the first part is obviously a reference to the Jehovah's Witnesses. I'll have to remember to have this song playing in the background when they storm my neighborhood this spring and I answer the door.

I didnt know the Jehovah's feel the way they do about U2.. or atleast the one on songmeanings dot net.. search "breathe" on that site and scroll down to a user named Theresa1.. wow I sure hope she doesnt show up at my door!

dylanfree · 03-11-2009, 05:20 AM

Any way you decipher the lyrics it is still a brilliant example of top notch songwriting.
One of Bono's best ever along with Cedars IMO....

I agree with the Holy Trinity idea for the "3 things" line - makes perfect sense to me!

adypole · 03-11-2009, 05:32 AM

I see it quite simply as: live your life! I can breathe: I can live! walk out into a sunburst street! it's a beautiful world! I don't need anything because I can breathe! I'm alive! I won't take your bullshit, your cockatoo, because I'm fine as I am, I'm breathing man! every day I die again, but I'm reborn! every day is a new day, a new phase, a beautiful day! I found grace....

What a ismple but beautiful interpretation! It's not so deep as pleasent.

dan_smee · 03-11-2009, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stand Up Comedy

The greatest thing about U2 lyrics is it's really up to you as to what you get out of them. I believe the 16th of June is a very important date in history:

"The Soweto uprising or Soweto riots were a series of clashes in Soweto, South Africa on June 16, 1976 between black youths and the South African authorities. The riots grew out of protests against the policies of the National Party government and its apartheid regime. June 16 is now celebrated in South Africa as Youth Day."

On this day, children marched the streets and sang songs on their way to the school to protest their lack of education from the government.

There is an underlying theme in many of U2's songs for me, and "Breath" is a continuation of this message. Through music and songs, U2, people facing oppression, you and I, can and will uphold our faith, regardless of the difficulty we're facing or evil oppressing us. The songs represent faith.

"I will sing, sing a new song" from 40
"The songs are in your eyes" from Miracle Drug

U2 knows they've been blessed with an incredible talent and they choose to use this talent for good instead of evil. That's why they are the greatest band ever.

I mentioned the Soweto uprising after the beach clips came out. I think, especially given the early version of the song was dedicated to Nelson Mandella, it is fairly certain they originally had this in mind.

Walk out into the streets, with arms out, not knowing defeat (or got a love you can;t defeat) neither down or out etc... its all very relevant

U2BROTHR · 03-11-2009, 10:06 PM

It also reflects an "insecure" Bono....finding some courage during tough times of self doubt.

MrsSpringsteen · 03-12-2009, 05:35 PM

Cockatoo actually has some deep meaning? I thought he randomly threw that in there for fun...

pukebreath · 03-18-2009, 09:03 AM

16th of June is the day James Joyce "Ulysses" takes place. This album is his rough trip through a day, or night into day, in Dublin, like the book. The songs are chronological, often referencing times...

I wanna know who the "JuJu man" is?

last unicorn · 03-18-2009, 09:22 AM

JuJu is the Nigerian word for a "voodoo doctor".

U2girl · 03-20-2009, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsSpringsteen

Cockatoo actually has some deep meaning? I thought he randomly threw that in there for fun...

I thought so too, but apparently cockatoo is slang, ie "I wasn't going to buy just anyone's shit".

Does anyone have any explanation for the last verse

16th of June, Chinese stocks are going up
And I’m coming down with some new Asian virus
Ju Ju man, Ju Ju man
Doc says you’re fine, or dying
Please
Nine o nine, St John Divine, on the line, my pulse is fine
But I’m running down the road like loose electricity
While the band in my head plays a striptease

Given 16th of June and "nine o nine" this is the follow up from the first verse where the salesman/fake "evangelist" comes in. Who of these two characters is "running down the road" and "coming down with a virus" ? And what does "st John divine on the line" mean ?

popacrobat · 03-20-2009, 04:44 PM

St. John Divine, fwiw, was/is the author of the book of revelations. him being on the line, i figure that means he's on the phone talking to the narrator...but the narrator's "pulse is fine." however since st john divine is on the line, and the narrator is "fine or dying" he's freaking out running down the road like loose electricity/ like a nut?. well, that's what i get out of it anyway. hope that helps?

theFly51 · 03-21-2009, 12:17 PM

What does he mean by "The roar that lies on the other side of silence
The forest fire that is fear so deny it"

UAME · 03-23-2009, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theFly51

What does he mean by "The roar that lies on the other side of silence
The forest fire that is fear so deny it"

Here's how I interpret those lines:

"The roar that lies on the other side of silence" and "the forest fire" both bad things (potentially) on the horizon being anticipated in the mind. "..on the other side" meaning something yet to come. In silence now, but cannot enjoy it for the dread of what will bring it to an end.

Then, "that is fear, so deny it" - those thoughts are founded in fear. Deny it's hold on your life, denounce fear's power to cripple you in this moment. Stop being paralyzed. "Walk out, into the street. Sing your heart out..."

last unicorn · 03-25-2009, 10:40 AM

^ This might just be my favourite part of the song, that's poetry, I love it.

rihannsu · 03-25-2009, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theFly51

What does he mean by "The roar that lies on the other side of silence
The forest fire that is fear so deny it"

There was a thread about that first line that shows it could be a literary reference. Check it out here: http://www.u2interference.com/forums...ce-193872.html

Dana

03-08-2009, 09:42 PM	#21
JCOSTER ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: It's a very, very mad world. Posts: 14,971 Local Time: 06:29 PM	I think the 3 things are the Trinity The salesman at the door, trying to sell him some new age religion Courgage to walk out on the street and say that you believe Your arms out welcoming maybe the Trinity or God Got a love you can’t defeat Neither down nor out There’s nothing you have that I need I can breathe Breathe now ^ I have Gods love the salesman has nothing that he needs. Its a relief he can breathe. [I][Walk out into the street Sing your heart out/I] Walk out on the street and profess your love for God tell everyone you meet. __________________

03-09-2009, 08:18 PM	#22
wad2k Babyface Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: sloan ny usa Posts: 28 Local Time: 07:29 PM	I'm still working my own interpretation of this song but the first part is obviously a reference to the Jehovah's Witnesses. I'll have to remember to have this song playing in the background when they storm my neighborhood this spring and I answer the door. __________________

03-10-2009, 12:40 PM	#24
Stand Up Comedy Babyface Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 1 Local Time: 04:29 PM	Breath Lyrics The greatest thing about U2 lyrics is it's really up to you as to what you get out of them. I believe the 16th of June is a very important date in history: "The Soweto uprising or Soweto riots were a series of clashes in Soweto, South Africa on June 16, 1976 between black youths and the South African authorities. The riots grew out of protests against the policies of the National Party government and its apartheid regime. June 16 is now celebrated in South Africa as Youth Day." On this day, children marched the streets and sang songs on their way to the school to protest their lack of education from the government. There is an underlying theme in many of U2's songs for me, and "Breath" is a continuation of this message. Through music and songs, U2, people facing oppression, you and I, can and will uphold our faith, regardless of the difficulty we're facing or evil oppressing us. The songs represent faith. "I will sing, sing a new song" from 40 "The songs are in your eyes" from Miracle Drug U2 knows they've been blessed with an incredible talent and they choose to use this talent for good instead of evil. That's why they are the greatest band ever.

03-11-2009, 10:06 PM	#31
U2BROTHR Mirror Ball Man 2.0 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,599 Local Time: 07:29 PM	It also reflects an "insecure" Bono....finding some courage during tough times of self doubt. __________________ CLICK HERE TO WATCH "U2BROTHR" THE FULL LENGTH DOCUMENTARY U2BROTHR's EXPERIENCE & INNOCENCE TOUR VEGAS 1 VEGAS 2 MONTREAL 1 U2@APOLLO BELFAST1 BELFAST 2

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03-10-2009, 10:33 AM	#23
allisonk Babyface Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: massachusetts, usa Posts: 23 Local Time: 06:29 PM	Actually, Bono has family members that were door to door salesmen....Check out U2 by U2....

03-10-2009, 02:08 PM	#25
powerhour24 ONE love, blood, life Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 11,646 Local Time: 07:29 PM	I'm wondering if the 16th of june has more to do with when the songs were composed/take place, remember the concept of the songs all taking place within 24 hours.

03-10-2009, 02:16 PM	#26
EdgeVox War Child Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texas/Mexico Posts: 903 Local Time: 06:29 PM	I read somewhere that this song was written on July 18th but Bono couldn't figure out how to fit his story into the lyrics which makes sense with the "Walk out into the streets; got a love you can't defeat" Me-against the world concept of the song. All of this makes this song extra special to me because that's my birthday. Still not sold on any of the "3 things I want you to know" btw I kinda wish that wouldn't just disappear as a lyrical device

03-11-2009, 05:20 AM	#28
dylanfree The Fly Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 32 Local Time: 11:29 PM	Any way you decipher the lyrics it is still a brilliant example of top notch songwriting. One of Bono's best ever along with Cedars IMO.... I agree with the Holy Trinity idea for the "3 things" line - makes perfect sense to me!

03-11-2009, 05:32 AM	#29
adypole Refugee Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: I live where I don't wanna drown, but god I'm going down...(/UK/) Posts: 1,539 Local Time: 11:29 PM	I see it quite simply as: live your life! I can breathe: I can live! walk out into a sunburst street! it's a beautiful world! I don't need anything because I can breathe! I'm alive! I won't take your bullshit, your cockatoo, because I'm fine as I am, I'm breathing man! every day I die again, but I'm reborn! every day is a new day, a new phase, a beautiful day! I found grace.... What a ismple but beautiful interpretation! It's not so deep as pleasent.

03-12-2009, 05:35 PM	#32
MrsSpringsteen Blue Crack Addict Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 28,781 Local Time: 07:29 PM	Cockatoo actually has some deep meaning? I thought he randomly threw that in there for fun...

03-18-2009, 09:03 AM	#33
pukebreath The Fly Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: boston, ma, united states Posts: 88 Local Time: 11:29 PM	16th of June is the day James Joyce "Ulysses" takes place. This album is his rough trip through a day, or night into day, in Dublin, like the book. The songs are chronological, often referencing times... I wanna know who the "JuJu man" is?

03-18-2009, 09:22 AM	#34
last unicorn Blue Crack Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: lost in poetry Posts: 19,446 Local Time: 12:29 AM	JuJu is the Nigerian word for a "voodoo doctor".

03-20-2009, 04:44 PM	#36
popacrobat Rock n' Roll Doggie FOB Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: this house Posts: 9,866 Local Time: 07:29 PM	St. John Divine, fwiw, was/is the author of the book of revelations. him being on the line, i figure that means he's on the phone talking to the narrator...but the narrator's "pulse is fine." however since st john divine is on the line, and the narrator is "fine or dying" he's freaking out running down the road like loose electricity/ like a nut?. well, that's what i get out of it anyway. hope that helps?

03-21-2009, 12:17 PM	#37
theFly51 New Yorker Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Harlingen, Texas Posts: 2,824 Local Time: 06:29 PM	What does he mean by "The roar that lies on the other side of silence The forest fire that is fear so deny it"

03-25-2009, 10:40 AM	#39
last unicorn Blue Crack Addict Join Date: May 2006 Location: lost in poetry Posts: 19,446 Local Time: 12:29 AM	^ This might just be my favourite part of the song, that's poetry, I love it.