Shania Twain

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh, no, no, no

[Verse 1]
Hope life's been good to you
Since you've been gone
I'm doing fine now — I've finally moved on
It's not so bad — I'm not that sad
I'm not surprised just how well I survived
I'm over the worst, and I feel so alive
I can't complain — I'm free again

[Chorus]
And it only hurts when I'm breathing
My heart only breaks when it's beating
My dreams only die when I'm dreaming
So, I hold my breath — to forget

[Verse 2]
Don't think I'm lyin' 'round, cryin' at night
There's no need to worry, I'm really alright
I've never looked back — as a matter of fact

[Chorus]
And it only hurts when I'm breathing
My heart only breaks when it's beating
My dreams only die when I'm dreaming
So, I hold my breath — to forget
[Bridge]
It only hurts when I breathe
Mmm, no, I've never looked back
As a matter of fact

[Chorus]
And it only hurts when I'm breathing
My heart only breaks when it's beating
My dreams only die when I'm dreaming
So, I hold my breath — to forget

[Outro]
Hurts when I'm breathing
Breaks when it's beating
Die when I'm dreaming
It only hurts when I breathe

Shania Twain, an award-winning country singer and songwriter, has produced some of the most memorable songs in the history of country music. One of her most iconic tracks is “It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing,” which delivers a compelling message about missing someone deeply.

About It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing

"It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing" is a beautifully written, emotional ballad that appears on Shania Twain's album, "Up!". The track was also released as the album's eighth and final single. The melancholic tune was written by Twain herself, alongside Paul Jenkins. It speaks of how much pain one feels emotionally when they are apart from a loved one.

The song begins with a slow tempo, starting with a soft melody that progressively builds in intensity as the vocals begin. Twain's unique and powerful voice delivers the lyrics in a way that perfectly compliments the instrumentation, creating a beautifully atmospheric and emotionally evocative song. The song's lyrics, which are quite straightforward, are the primary driving force of its message.

As you listen to the song, one can immediately feel the emotions embedded within the melody, the message seemingly conveyed well through Shania's performance. The song narrates the story of someone who misses their loved one every minute they are not together. The first verse starts with an assertion that the person cannot hide their pain as it hurts them every time they breathe. They describe the agony they feel by saying that it is a suffocation of their heart. The chorus picks up the theme of the pain someone feels when they are away from someone they care deeply about, with the refrain of ‘it only hurts when I'm breathing’ telling the story clearly and succinctly.

The bridge in the song speaks of trying to move on from the pain of love, but somehow, it seems impossible. The love they feel for their significant other is strong and encompasses every aspect of their being. Love offered to them is the only thing that keeps them alive, but it's also the thing that causes them unbearable pain.

"It Only Hurts When I’m Breathing" highlights the sheer talent that Shania possesses. Her songs have always been both lyrically inspiring and emotionally evocative, and this song is no exception. The song is outstanding because it tells a story that anyone who has missed someone they love can easily relate to. Fans of Shania Twain have long admired her music for her masterful songwriting skills, as well as her distinctive and powerful voice, and once again, she does not disappoint.

The Bottom Line

"It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing" is one of the most heartfelt ballads from Shania Twain's career. The song's melancholic mood highlights the emotions of loss and longing, effectively capturing the sad complexity of missing someone so much it hurts to breath. The song’s straightforward and moving message, coupled with Shania's powerful voice and excellent songwriting, has made it a timeless classic. "It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing" is a must-listen song for all fans of country music.

• Release Date: February 9, 2004
• Artist: Shania Twain