“Breathe”: how Naeon Teardrops masters the balancing act between complexity and feeling
Sometimes I come across songs that completely captivate me emotionally – and “Breathe” by Naeon Teardrops is definitely one of them for me. With this synth pop ballad, the Norwegian artist has created a song that sounds both melancholy and emotional, yet stands out from many other ballads due to its unexpected complexity.
Ballads are often difficult for me. Many tend to be so reduced that they quickly seem monotonous. But “Breathe” is different: the track has a multi-layered arrangement that gives the lyrics the space they need without overwhelming them. I find this balance impressive. The synth sounds and the melancholic melodies remind me of 90s classics by bands like “Camouflage” or “De/Vision“.
What touches me most are the lyrics. Lines like “Tear off my skin, dive into my veins” or “It’s just how you make me feel, and the way you let me breathe” strike an emotional chord with me. The lyrics speak of longing, self-doubt and the fragility that goes hand in hand with the desire for closeness.
Listen to “Naeon Teardrops – Breathe” on Spotify
Listen to “Naeon Teardrops – Breathe” on Bandcamp
Lyrics of “Naeon Teardrops – Breathe”
Catch me I’m here
On a shallow wave
Unveiled and free
In a broken cage
Still I hold my doubts
Whether I can flee
With all the things I fear
Stuck inside of me
Lost in you
I know
And there’s no way I can hide it
Wide awake
I will fall
And there’s no way I can fight it
And I want you here with me
Want to hold you while you dream
Tear off my skin
Dive into my veins
Tell me I’m sane
To let you in this way
Oh everything I want
Comes crashing through my door
But still I hesitate
To start another war
Lost in you
Oh, I know
And there’s no way to disguise it
Wide awake
I will fall
And there’s no-one left to guide me
And I want you here with me
Want to hold you while you dream
It’s just how you make me feel
And the way you let me breathe