Meaning of "Breathless" by Corinne Bailey Rae

The lyrics of "Breathless" delve into the complexities of unrequited love and the longing for a deeper connection with someone who is currently just a friend. The narrator is caught in the dichotomy of enjoying their current friendship but yearning for something more. The repetition of the question "tell me do you know?" highlights the uncertainty and desire for clarity and confirmation of the other person's feelings. The narrator's breathlessness when the person calls their name indicates the strong emotional impact the person has on them, suggesting that there is a deeper connection and chemistry between them. However, the fear of crossing the line and jeopardizing the friendship is also evident in the lyrics. The narrator acknowledges that they cannot guarantee a positive outcome if the relationship were to progress beyond friendship, but they are willing to be honest about their feelings and take the risk of pursuing a romantic relationship. The repetition of the phrase "when we're all alone" emphasizes the desire for intimacy and the idea that their connection is strongest in private moments. The plea for the other person to not tell them that they can't see what the narrator is thinking of indicates a frustration with their lack of recognition or acknowledgment of the depths of their feelings. Throughout the song, the narrator expresses their longing and hopes that the other person will understand and reciprocate their emotions.