Meaning of "So Hard To Breathe" by B.O.B.

"So Hard To Breathe" is a deeply introspective and vulnerable song by B.O.B. that explores the challenges and pressures he faces in the music industry and his personal life. From the beginning, the artist expresses his initial disdain for fame, stating, "Since day 1 I said fuck the fame and everything it dealt." However, he soon realizes that fame is necessary to achieve wealth and financial stability, but it also attracts haters and negative attention. The metaphor of mosquitoes flocking to a well emphasizes how the pursuit of wealth brings both success and unwanted attention.

Despite achieving success and receiving recognition for his record sales, B.O.B. becomes overwhelmed and begins to feel suffocated by the expectations and demands of his career. He reveals his struggle to find balance and take a breath amidst the chaos, both literally and metaphorically. The repeated line, "And it's so hard to breathe," conveys his emotional and mental exhaustion.

The lyrics also touch on B.O.B.'s personal hardships and upbringing. He recalls his experiences growing up in poverty, trying to find decent housing and the struggles his family faced. These experiences shape his outlook on life and motivate his drive to find success. He uses his music as a form of catharsis, expressing his emotions and using it as a platform to reflect on the realities and challenges he has encountered.

The song's chorus, which talks about sinking and struggling to come up for air, serves as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed and trapped. B.O.B. feels weighed down by the pressures of the music industry, constantly trying to stay afloat. His determination to keep his head above water is evident, but he acknowledges the fine line between success and failure.

Overall, "So Hard To Breathe" dives deep into B.O.B.'s personal struggles and the toll that fame, success, and the music industry have taken on him. It showcases his introspective nature and his ability to be vulnerable through his music.