Meaning of "Breathing" by Jason Derulo

The lyrics of "Breathing" delve into the deep yearning and dependency that the singer has for someone. The repetitive refrain of "I only miss you when I'm breathing" signifies that the person being missed is something the singer constantly craves, akin to the necessity of breathing. It suggests that this yearning for the person is an essential part of the singer's existence, and they feel incomplete without them.

The lyrics portray this person as the source of the singer's life, stating that they only need them when their heart is beating. This emphasizes the significance of this individual in the singer's life, implying that they give the singer purpose and meaning. Without them, the singer questions their ability to survive, highlighting their reliance on the presence and love of this person.

The imagery of pictures of the person leaving and the sense of longing portrayed on the walls and ceiling further emphasizes the deep emotional connection between the singer and the individual they miss. The kiss mentioned in the lyrics is symbolic of the singer's desire for a physical connection with this person, even if it is only in their dreams. The lyrics also suggest that these thoughts and the longing for the person can be overwhelming and deceptive, indicating that the singer's feelings for this individual may not always be straightforward or rational.

The line "Paradise that I'm still seeking" suggests that the singer views the person they miss as their ultimate source of happiness and fulfillment. They are described as a drug that the singer craves, reinforcing the addictive and consuming nature of their feelings. The lyrics imply that the singer is still searching for this paradise, indicating that they may not have found complete contentment or fulfillment in other areas of their life.

The song ends with the singer pleading for the person's attention, expressing their frustration at not being answered. The lyrics imply a sense of desperation as the singer longs to be in the presence of the person they miss. The repetition of the line "I only miss you when I'm breathing" highlights the central theme of the song, emphasizing the integral role this person plays in the singer's life and the overwhelming longing they experience in their absence.