George Strait – The Breath You Take

About the song

Introduction:

“The Breath You Take” is a country music ballad written by Jack Sundrud and originally recorded by Canadian country music artist Clay Walker. It was released in May 1993 as the second single from his album If I Could Make a Living. The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in the United States and number two on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.

In 1998, “The Breath You Take” was covered by American country music singer George Strait. His version was released in October 1998 as the second single from his album One Step at a Time. Strait’s version of the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart and number two on the Canadian RPM Country Tracks chart.

Analysis:

Both Walker’s and Strait’s versions of “The Breath You Take” are ballads about the power of love. The song’s lyrics describe the narrator’s feelings of love and devotion for their partner, comparing their love to the air they breathe. The song’s melody is slow and gentle, with a strong emphasis on the vocals.

Critical reception:

Both Walker’s and Strait’s versions of “The Breath You Take” were well-received by critics. Walker’s version was praised for its “smooth, soulful vocals” and its “poignant lyrics”. Strait’s version was praised for its “classic country sound” and Strait’s “impeccable vocals”.

Legacy:

“The Breath You Take” is a classic country music ballad that has been covered by many artists. It is a song about the power of love and devotion, and its message resonates with listeners of all ages.

Video

Lyrics

“The Breath You Take”

 

He looks up from second base, dad’s up in the stands
He saw the hit, the run, the slide, there ain’t no bigger fan
In the parking lot after the game
He said, “Dad, I thought you had a plane to catch?”
He smiled and said, “Yeah, son, I did”

But life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away

Fast forward fifteen years and a thousand miles away
Boy’s built a life, he’s got a wife and a baby due today
He hears a voice saying, “I made it son”
Says, “I told you dad, you didn’t have to come”
He smiles and says, “Yeah, I know you did”

But life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about
You just might miss the point trying to win the race
Life’s not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away

Just like it took my breath when she was born
Just like it took my breath away when dad took his last that morn

Life’s not the breath you take, the breathing in and out
That gets you through the day, ain’t what it’s all about
Just might miss the point if you don’t slow down the pace
Life’s not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away