Song meaning of How We Breathe by Pinback

The lyrics of the song "How We Breathe" by Pinback convey a sense of repetition, frustration, and longing. The repetition of the phrase "It's how we breathe underwater, kick it right out of frame, does it matter?" suggests a feeling of being trapped or stuck in a cycle. The mention of driving into the same old park and being insistent off the mark further emphasizes this sense of going in circles or not making progress.

The lines "guarded in my head for you, I can't get rid of these secrets" hint at a hidden emotional burden or unresolved issues in a relationship, which adds to the frustration and longing depicted in the song. The desire to lay on someone's ground and breathe in their atmosphere indicates a need for closeness and intimacy.

The lyrics also touch on vulnerability and the fear of getting caught or shorted out. There is a yearning to escape from these repetitive patterns and find something more meaningful or fulfilling. The line "straighten your back, I wanna know that there's something there" reflects a desire for clarity and assurance in the relationship.

Overall, the song portrays a feeling of being stuck, longing for connection, and a yearning for change and emotional fulfillment. It suggests the human tendency to get caught in repetitive patterns and the frustration that comes from feeling stagnant.