Lyrics

Lead vocalist
Sometimes loving somebody means losing yourself if you ain't careful
(Mmm)

[Verse 1]
Three kids, baby, on the way
Bills stacked like prayers I ain't prayed today (Hey)
He out running 'round saying he just needs space
But I'm here trying to stretch a dream into faith
Baby, formula over love
No heat, no paper
I got noodles on the stove but my boy hate the flavor
He said he'll change but I done heard that line
So tired of fighting for what ain't mine
Girl, I told you he was bad news after that first baby

[Chorus]
[layered vocal harmonies enter]
I just need some air to breathe
I done held my pain so long it could be-be-be-be-be
I ain't trying to lose my soul just to keep this love
Lord, give me peace if I can't catch my breath, breath
Just let me breathe

[Verse 2]
He said, "Baby, calm down, we gotta feed these mouths"
I've been working double shifts just to hold this house
They see a strong mama, but they don't see the weight
Faith in my chest, tears on my face
Girl, you still defending him? A leopard don't switch spots, he just hides 'em better
Maybe she right, but my heart don't quit
I ain't made for letting love die like this

[Chorus]
[full arrangement with Rhodes piano]
I just need some air to breathe
Numb inside but my heart still believes
Love's heavy but it taught me how to stand
I'm breaking but I still got plans
Breathe, breathe, let me be free

[Bridge]

Sometimes strength looks crazy, sometimes love ain't fair
Hold on, baby girl, you gon' rise from there
I tried to save our man, now I'm saving me
Now I see I'm what I need to be
I just need some air to breathe out the hurt
So tired of breathing in belief
Trust these lungs with a little bit of peace
Ain't losing myself just to make him see
Breathe, honey, breathe

[Outro]

Girl, sometimes walking away is how you love
Yeah, maybe that's how I finally breathe