Meaning of "Let It Breathe" by Hootie & The Blowfish

The lyrics of "Let It Breathe" convey a message of individuality and resistance to societal pressure. The protagonist questions the idea of conforming to the expectations of others and expresses a desire to be free from these constraints. The first verse suggests that someone has tried to manipulate or frighten the protagonist with empty thoughts, but the protagonist remains unaffected, asserting that they are behind their manipulator. This could symbolize the protagonist's refusal to be controlled or influenced by others.

The chorus highlights the protagonist's frustration with the pressure to conform. They express fatigue with "bailing hay," a repetitive and exhausting task, which represents conforming to societal expectations and sacrificing their own desires. The phrase "I don't want to be you, you don't want to be me" emphasizes the importance of individuality and the rejection of comparison or imitation.

In the second verse, the protagonist challenges the notion of authority, asserting their autonomy by requesting that others keep their hands, mind, and breath to themselves. This can be seen as a refusal to be influenced or controlled by the opinions or judgments of others. The lyrics also express frustration with the difficulty of finding a reason or purpose in life when faced with the constant scrutiny and judgment of others.

The bridge of the song suggests a longing for a genuine connection without pretense or conformity. The lyrics imply that living authentically and finding true love or companionship can only be achieved when both individuals are true to themselves, rather than simply mirroring each other.

Overall, "Let It Breathe" delivers a strong message about the importance of being true to oneself and resisting societal pressures to conform. It encourages individuality, autonomy, and the pursuit of genuine connections based on authenticity rather than imitation.