About the song
“The Air That I Breathe” is a timeless ballad penned by British-Gibraltarian singer-songwriter Albert Hammond and English songwriter Mike Hazlewood. Initially recorded by Hammond for his debut album *It Never Rains in Southern California* (1972), the song has since become an enduring classic, widely recognized for its emotive melody and evocative lyrics.
The song gained significant prominence when it was covered by the Hollies in early 1974. Their version, featuring a lush string orchestra and horn section arranged by Alan Parsons, soared to number two on the UK Singles Chart and achieved notable success in the US, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Adult Contemporary chart. The Hollies’ rendition was their last major hit and is celebrated for its rich instrumental backing and heartfelt vocals. Record World lauded the song, noting that “the potent material gets a super interpretation,” highlighting the Hollies’ masterful handling of the track.
In addition to its success with the Hollies, “The Air That I Breathe” has an intriguing place in music history due to its influence on other artists. Most notably, Radiohead’s 1992 hit “Creep” drew upon the chord progression and melody of “The Air That I Breathe,” leading to a legal settlement where Hammond and Hazlewood were granted co-writing credits and royalties. Despite this legal entanglement, Hammond and Hazlewood reportedly accepted only a modest share of the royalties, acknowledging Radiohead’s honesty in their use of the song’s composition.
The recording session for “The Air That I Breathe” featured notable contributions from musicians such as Allan Clarke, Tony Hicks, Terry Sylvester, Bobby Elliott, and Bernie Calvert. Alan Parsons, renowned for his expertise in audio engineering, was behind the controls, and his work on the song was praised by Eric Clapton for its soulful quality.
This classic ballad, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, continues to resonate with listeners around the world, cementing its place as a significant piece of music history.
Video
Lyrics
If I could make a wish
I think I’d pass
Can’t think of anythin’ I need
No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound
Nothing to eat, no books to read
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful, warm, and tired
What more could I ask
There’s nothing left to be desired
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel
Go to sleep
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes, to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Peace came upon me
And it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel
Go to sleep
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes, to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Sometimes, all I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
Yes, to love you
All I need is the air that I breathe
And to love you