Breathe (Pink Floyd song)

Last updated
"Breathe"
Song by Pink Floyd
from the album The Dark Side of the Moon
PublishedWorld Copyrights Ltd.
Released1 March 1973
Recorded22 June 1972 –27 January 1973 [1]
Genre
Length
Label Harvest
Composer(s)
Lyricist(s) Roger Waters [2]
Producer(s) Pink Floyd
Official audio
"Breathe (In the Air)" on YouTube

"Breathe" (sometimes called "Breathe (In the Air)") is a song by English rock band Pink Floyd. It appears on their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon . [2]

Contents

Authorship and composition

The authorship and composition of this song is credited to David Gilmour and Richard Wright for the music and Roger Waters for the lyrics. [2] Dark Side, admitted the latter, "is a little adolescent and naïve in its preoccupations, but I'm not belittling it. It's like a rather wonderful, naïve painting. 'Breathe in the air / Don't be afraid to care' – that's the opening couplet. Well, yeah, I can cop that, but it's kind of simplistic stuff." [3]

The song is slow-paced and rich in texture, and features Gilmour playing the electric guitar with a Uni-Vibe and lap steel guitar with a volume pedal and several overdubs. [4] On the original album, it is a separate track from "Speak to Me", the sound collage that opens the first side. [2] Since this track segues into "Breathe" via a sustained backwards piano chord, the two are conjoined on most CD versions of the album. [5] A one-minute reprise features at the end of the song "Time", [2] without the slide guitar and using Farfisa organ and Wurlitzer electronic piano in place of Hammond organ and Rhodes piano.

The chords for much of the song alternate between E minor(add9) and A major, with a turnaround appearing before the verses and then functioning as a chorus, consisting of C major seventh, B minor seventh, F major seventh, G major, D7(♯9) and D#dim. [6] Wright admitted to having lifted the D7(#9) in the progression from Miles Davis' Kind of Blue. It is an exact quote from bar 9 of "All Blues" even though the 2 songs are in different keys. [7]

Along with the other Pink Floyd tracks "Time" and "The Great Gig in the Sky", "Breathe" is seen as Gilmour "carving out a more distinctive style" with the introduction of blues-based chords and solos. [8] "Breathe" has also been seen to "embrace ecology". [9]

This song was one of several to be considered for the band's "best of" album, Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd . [10]

Alternative and live versions

Personnel

Fender 'Duo 1000' double-neck steel guitar (1962), purchased in Seattle in October 1970 by Gilmour, and used on "Breathe"; displayed at the Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains exhibition Pink Floyd Their Mortal Remains - 2017-10-13 - Andy Mabbett - 24.jpg
Fender 'Duo 1000' double-neck steel guitar (1962), purchased in Seattle in October 1970 by Gilmour, and used on "Breathe"; displayed at the Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains exhibition

Certifications

Certifications for "Breathe"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Italy (FIMI) [11] Gold35,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI) [12] Silver200,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

Roger Waters version

"Breathe"
Single by Roger Waters
from the album The Dark Side of the Moon Redux
A-side "Speak to Me"
Released21 September 2023
Genre Art pop
Length
  • 3:22
  • 5:16 (with "Speak to Me")
Label
Composer(s)
  • Wright
  • Gilmour
Lyricist(s) Waters
Roger Waters singles chronology
"Time"
(2023)		"Speak to Me" / "Breathe"
(2023)

Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters released "Breathe" alongside "Speak to Me" on 21 September 2023 as the third single in promotion of his seventh studio album, The Dark Side of the Moon Redux , a complete recreation of the original album The Dark Side of the Moon. The two tracks came with a lyric video. [19]

Background

Around early 2023, Waters announced that in celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side of the Moon, he would be releasing a complete recreation of the record that wouldn't feature the rest of Pink Floyd members, trying to re-address the emotional and political statements made on that record. [20] The album was released on 6 October 2023, preceded by the singles "Money" and "Time", with "Breathe" and "Speak to Me" being released together as the final singles. [21]

Personnel

Related Research Articles

<i>The Dark Side of the Moon</i> 1973 studio album by Pink Floyd

The Dark Side of the Moon is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 1 March 1973 by Harvest Records in the UK and Capitol Records in the US. Developed during live performances before recording began, it was conceived as a concept album that would focus on the pressures faced by the band during their arduous lifestyle, and also deal with the mental health problems of the former band member Syd Barrett, who departed the group in 1968. New material was recorded in two sessions in 1972 and 1973 at EMI Studios in London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shine On You Crazy Diamond</span> 1975 composition by Pink Floyd

"Shine On You Crazy Diamond" is a nine-part Pink Floyd composition written by David Gilmour, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright, which was first performed on Pink Floyd's 1974 French tour and appeared in Pink Floyd's 1975 concept album Wish You Were Here. The song is written about and dedicated to founder member Syd Barrett, who departed from the band in 1968 after dealing with mental problems and substance abuse.

"A Saucerful of Secrets" is a multi-part instrumental composition by English rock band Pink Floyd from their 1968 album of the same name. It is nearly 12 minutes long and was composed by Roger Waters, Richard Wright, Nick Mason and David Gilmour. The track features guitar feedback, a percussion solo section and wordless vocals.

<i>A Nice Pair</i> 1973 compilation album by Pink Floyd

A Nice Pair is a compilation album by Pink Floyd, re-issuing their first two albums—The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and A Saucerful of Secrets—in a new gatefold sleeve. The album was released in December 1973 by Harvest and Capitol in the United States and the following month in the United Kingdom by Harvest and EMI. It reached number 36 in the US Billboard album charts and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in March 1994.

"The Great Gig in the Sky" is the fifth track on The Dark Side of the Moon, a 1973 album by English rock band Pink Floyd. The song features music by keyboard player Richard Wright and improvised, wordless vocals by session singer Clare Torry. It is one of only three Pink Floyd songs to feature vocals from an outside artist. The Great Gig in the Sky was released as a digital single in February 2023 to promote The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary box set.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Money (Pink Floyd song)</span> Song by Pink Floyd

"Money" is a song by English rock band Pink Floyd from their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. Written by Roger Waters, it opened side two of the original album. Released as a single, it became the band's first hit in the United States, reaching number 10 in Cash Box magazine and number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Time (Pink Floyd song)</span> 1973 song by Pink Floyd

"Time" is a song by English rock band Pink Floyd. It is included as the fourth track on their eighth album The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and was released as a single in the United States. With lyrics written by bassist Roger Waters, guitarist David Gilmour shares lead vocals with keyboardist Richard Wright.

"Atom Heart Mother" is a six-part suite by the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, composed by all members of the band and Ron Geesin. It appeared on the Atom Heart Mother album in 1970, taking up the first side of the original vinyl record. At 23:44, it is Pink Floyd's longest uncut studio piece. Pink Floyd performed it live between 1970 and 1972, occasionally with a brass section and choir in 1970–71.

"In the Flesh?" and "In the Flesh" are two songs by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on their 1979 album, The Wall. "In the Flesh?" is the opening track, and introduces the story concept of the album. "In the Flesh" is the twenty-first song of the album, and is a reprise of the first with a choir, different verses and more extended instrumentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Any Colour You Like</span> 1973 single by Pink Floyd

"Any Colour You Like" is the eighth track on by English rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon. It is an instrumental written by David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Us and Them (song)</span> 1974 single by Pink Floyd

"Us and Them" is a song by English rock band Pink Floyd, from their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. The music was written by Richard Wright and Roger Waters with lyrics also by Waters. It is sung by David Gilmour, with harmonies by Wright. The song is 7 minutes and 49 seconds, the longest on the album.

"Brain Damage" is the ninth track from English rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon. It was sung on record by Roger Waters, who would continue to sing it on his solo tours. Gilmour sang the lead vocal when Pink Floyd performed it live on their 1994 tour. The band originally called this track "Lunatic" during live performances and recording sessions. "Brain Damage" was released as a digital single on 19 January 2023 to promote The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary box set.

"Eclipse" is the tenth and final track from English rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon. It was written and sung by Roger Waters, with harmonies by David Gilmour and Rick Wright. After Waters left the band, Gilmour sang the lead vocal when performing live.

"Speak to Me" is the first track on English rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon, on which it forms an overture. Nick Mason receives a rare solo writing credit for the track, though recollections differ as to the reasons for this. Mason states that he created the track himself, whereas Richard Wright and Roger Waters stated the credit was a "gift" to Mason to give him some publishing income. Live versions are included on Pulse (1995) and The Dark Side of the Moon Live at Wembley 1974 (2023).

"Astronomy Domine" is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd. The song, written and composed by the original vocalist/guitarist Syd Barrett, is the opening track on their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). The lead vocal was sung by Barrett and the keyboard player Richard Wright. Its working title was "Astronomy Dominé ". Domine is a word frequently used in Gregorian chants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Dark Side of the Moon Live</span> 2006–08 concert tour by Roger Waters

The Dark Side of the Moon Live was a worldwide concert tour by Roger Waters, lasting two years. Waters and his band performed the titular album in its entirety at each show, beginning at the Rock in Rio festival on 2 June 2006.

"A Great Day for Freedom" is a song by Pink Floyd from their 1994 album, The Division Bell.

"Julia Dream" is a song by the English rock band Pink Floyd and the B-side of the single "It Would Be So Nice". The song was the first to be released by the band with lead vocals by David Gilmour.

"On the Run" is the third track from English rock band Pink Floyd's 1973 album, The Dark Side of the Moon. It is an instrumental piece performed on an EMS synthesizer. It deals with the pressures of travel, specifically air travel, which according to Richard Wright, would often bring fear of death.

Live at the Empire Pool is a live concert recording by the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, recorded by BBC Radio 1.

References

  1. ↑ Guesdon, Jean-MIchel (2017). Pink Floyd All The Songs. Running Press. ISBN   9780316439237.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mabbett, Andy (1995). The Complete Guide to the Music of Pink Floyd. London: Omnibus. ISBN   9780711943018.
  3. ↑ Gwyther, Matthew (7 March 1993). "The dark side of success". Observer magazine . p. 34.
  4. ↑ Chapman, Richard (2003). Guitar: Music, History, Players (1st pbk. ed.). New York: DK Pub. ISBN   9780789497000.
  5. ↑ Ruhlmann, William. "Speak to Me/Breathe". Allmusic.com. Rovi. Retrieved 2012-07-08.
  6. ↑ Waters, Roger; Wright, Richard; Gilmour, David (10 November 2008). "Pink Floyd "Breathe (In the Air)" Guitar Tab". Musicnotes.
  7. ↑ "Pink Floyd darkside of the moon breathe". YouTube .
  8. ↑ Gulla, Bob (2008). Guitar Gods: The 25 Players Who Made Rock History. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. p. 93. ISBN   9780313358067.
  9. ↑ Schinder, Scott; Schwartz, Andy (2008). Icons of rock : an encyclopedia of the legends who changed music forever. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. p. 447. ISBN   9780313338472.
  10. ↑ Guthrie, James. "James Guthrie: Audio: Building A Compilation Album". Pink Floyd. Archived from the original on 2 June 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  11. ↑ "Italian single certifications – Pink Floyd – Breathe (In the Air)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 21 December 2021. Select "2021" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Select "Breathe (In the Air)" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
  12. ↑ "British single certifications – Pink Floyd – Breathe (In the Air)". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  13. ↑ London Philharmonic Orchestra (10 October 1995). "Us and Them: Symphonic Pink Floyd by London Philharmonic Orchestra; Alibris UK". Alibris.co.uk. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  14. ↑ Heyes, Paul (8 July 2003). "Saturday Review - Glastonbury Festival 2003". eFestivals.com. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  15. ↑ "The Flaming Lips Tour Statistics | setlist.fm". www.setlist.fm. Retrieved 2017-03-17.
  16. ↑ Breihan, Tom (19 April 2010). "Video: The Flaming Lips Do Pink Floyd's "Breathe" on "Jimmy Fallon"". Pitchfork.com. Pitchfork Media. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
  17. ↑ O'Brien, Jon (9 July 2007). "The Saturday Sessions: The Dermot O'Leary Show'". Allmusic.com. Rovi. Retrieved 2010-06-02.[ permanent dead link ]
  18. ↑ Tilles, Jay (May 7, 2013). "Capital Cities Explains How They United Pink Floyd & Tupac For 'Breathe'". radio.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
  19. ↑ "Roger Waters - "Speak to Me/Breathe" | 94 Rock". The Morning Show with Swami, Skyler and Mahoney. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
  20. ↑ "Roger Waters / The Dark Side of the Moon Redux – SuperDeluxeEdition". 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-08-08.
  21. ↑ Mendelsohn, Jon (2023-09-21). "Roger Waters Updates "Speak to Me/Breathe" With Chilling Spoken Word Intro". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2023-09-30.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.