Breathe
by U2

Album: No Line on the Horizon (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Edge pointed out to Q magazine February 2009 that producer "Brian (Eno) says it's our best ever song."
  • Like "Get on Your Boots," this rock waltz in 6/8 time features stream-of-consciousness lyrical content. Bono revealed to The London Times that the song's torrent of impressionist verse was influenced by the fact that he was reading a book by American novelist Cormac McCarthy while U2 were recording No Line on The Horizon.
  • The song begins with the line: "16th of June, 9.05, doorbell rings." June 16th is celebrated in Dublin as Bloomsday, the day explored in its entirety by the city's most famous author, James Joyce, in his novel Ulysses.
  • No Line on the Horizon co-producer Daniel Lanois told The National Post that The Edge developed this song without the involvement of him or the other producer Brian Eno. He explained: "We worked on a version for a very long time which was great. But in the end they abandoned that and re-performed it. The Edge has got a little set-up at home. We worked on everything collectively. Some things got a little more attention with Steve Lillywhite and the band."
  • A new acoustic version of this song appeared on the B-side of the 10" single for "Ordinary Love." The disc was released as part of Record Store Day's Back to Black Friday event on November 29, 2013.

Comments: 3

  • Jimmy from Lancaster, Cai remember when i saw them at the rosebowl, and they opened with this song. when i saw Larry on the set with the spot light on him, the suddenly the stage explodes with light and the whole band's on stage rockin out, i seriously almost cried lol that was the best night of my life
  • Zan-d Mack from Springfield, Mo"Get On Your Boots" rocks my face off!! But I can really hear Larry Mullen's individualistic drumming style in this song.
  • Rob from Sydney, AustraliaI just LOVE this song! Another classic off this awesome album. This album is just full of exceptional songs. Perhaps the weakest song is "Boots"...which just happened to be the lead single. Shame, because people I think have incorrectly judged this gem of an album because of it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet Sprocket

Glen Phillips of Toad the Wet SprocketSongwriter Interviews

The "All I Want" singer went through a long depression, playing some shows when he didn't want to be alive.

Marvin Gaye

Marvin GayeFact or Fiction

Did Marvin try out with the Detroit Lions? Did he fake crazy to get out of military service? And what about the cross-dressing?

Steve Morse of Deep Purple

Steve Morse of Deep PurpleSongwriter Interviews

Deep Purple's guitarist since 1994, Steve talks about writing songs with the band and how he puts his own spin on "Smoke On The Water."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?