Try Not To Breathe

R.E.M.'s song 'Try Not To Breathe' delves into the profound and often unsettling contemplation of mortality. The lyrics are a poignant reflection on the inevitability of death and the desire to leave a lasting memory. The narrator expresses a sense of acceptance and readiness for the end, as seen in lines like 'I have lived a full life' and 'These are the eyes that I want you to remember.' This acceptance is coupled with a plea for remembrance, highlighting the human need to be remembered and to leave a mark on the world even after passing away.

The recurring imagery of breath and shivering adds a layer of vulnerability and fragility to the song. The act of trying not to breathe symbolizes the narrator's attempt to control the uncontrollable, to face death with dignity and without burdening others. The shivers represent the physical and emotional responses to the fear and uncertainty of death. The narrator's repeated requests for 'something to fly over my grave' and 'something to breathe' suggest a longing for peace and continuity beyond death, perhaps a spiritual or symbolic presence that transcends the physical end.

R.E.M.'s musical style, characterized by its melancholic melodies and introspective lyrics, enhances the emotional depth of 'Try Not To Breathe.' The song's somber tone and reflective nature invite listeners to confront their own feelings about mortality and the legacy they wish to leave behind. The band's ability to blend personal introspection with universal themes makes this song a powerful meditation on life, death, and memory.