Meaning of "Swallowing Air" by Ned's Atomic Dustbin

The lyrics of "Swallowing Air" by Ned's Atomic Dustbin seem to touch on themes of frustration, unfairness, and unreciprocated efforts. The narrator feels like they have been meticulous in their actions, only to feel like they have not been treated with fairness in return. The metaphor of "swallowing air" may symbolize a sense of feeling empty or unfulfilled despite giving their all. The repeated desire to receive something for themselves indicates a need for acknowledgment and reciprocity in relationships or interactions. The lines expressing reluctance to lose something without cause and the reference to being "unsung" suggest that the narrator feels overlooked or underappreciated. The final lines about falling foul of someone's words hint at the impact of negative feedback or criticism on the narrator's self-perception. Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration, longing for recognition, and the complexity of navigating personal relationships amidst feelings of unfairness.