In "Oxygen," the speaker describes a woman who has a strong impact on him. He sees her influence on his life and feels a connection through her eyes. The woman seems to prioritize pleasures and avoids getting too emotionally attached. She claims that oxygen is overrated and that she doesn't even need to breathe because she has a tank full of highs and a mind that never sleeps.

Meaning of "Oxygen" by Catfish And The Bottlemen

"Oxygen" by Catfish And The Bottlemen reflects on a relationship where one person has a captivating influence on the other. The lyrics highlight the woman's ability to divert the speaker's attention from his usual routine, causing him to lose track of time when he is with her. She seems to compartmentalize love, pushing it aside until it is convenient for her. The repetition of the phrase "oxygen's overrated" suggests that she prioritizes immediate pleasures and excitement over emotional connections. The speaker is both infatuated and frustrated with her unpredictable behavior, as she can make him feel on top of the world one moment and then leave him with a lingering emptiness. The line "make me laugh for an hour, then rip me off high as a cloud" captures the rollercoaster nature of their relationship, where moments of joy are followed by a sudden loss. Through the metaphor of oxygen, the lyrics convey the idea that for the woman, traditional emotional sustenance is not necessary. She finds fulfillment and stimulation through her experiences and her restless mind. Ultimately, "Oxygen" portrays a complex relationship where one person is drawn to the excitement and intensity, yet is left longing for something deeper and more stable.