I want to change the world, instead I sleep.

Sometimes the world becomes so overwhelming that simply living (and breathing) becomes a worthwhile goal. A Ha had a similar theme with “Ordinary World”, as did 4 Non-Blondes with “What’s Up?”  In “Keep Breathing”,  Ingrid Michaelson wants to change the world but instead she sleeps. I am sure many of us can relate. She feels so powerless that breathing and carrying on existing seems to be the only things she knows and is capable of at this time.

The reason “Keep Breathing” is so successful is due to the way Michaelson’s piano and vocals mix together. The song sounds almost upbeat, even though it is a slightly depressing message. Or is it? Perhaps that is all we can do, is keep on carrying on. Perhaps sometimes that is enough. The song is produced well; the song is performed delicately throughout until it builds to a crescendo with a somewhat powerful outro: “All we can do is keep breathing”.

Keep Breathing Lyrics

The storm is coming but I don’t mind.
People are dying, I close my blinds.
All that I know is I’m breathing now.

I want to change the world, instead I sleep.
I want to believe in more than you and me.
But all that I know is I’m breathing.
All I can do is keep breathing.
All we can do is keep breathing
Now,
Now
Now
Now

All that I know is I’m breathing.
All I can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
All we can do is keep breathing
Now

Songwriters: Ingrid Michaelson