Introduction:
The Breath You Take, released in 2010, is a contemplative country ballad by the iconic artist George Strait. The song became a significant late-career hit for Strait, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It served as the fourth single from Strait’s studio album Twang, which itself debuted at नंबर एक (number one) on the Billboard 200 chart https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/.
The Breath You Take was written by a trio of notable country music songwriters. Dean Dillon, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, is a legendary songwriter known for penning hits for artists like Kenny Rogers, Alabama, and Tanya Tucker. Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean’s daughter, co-wrote the song alongside Casey Beathard. Beathard, himself a successful songwriter, has written hits for artists like Garth Brooks, Greg Bates, and Dylan Scott.
The Breath You Take was produced by George Strait himself, alongside Tony Brown. This collaboration proved to be fruitful, with Brown having experience producing Strait on numerous previous albums including Troubadour, It Just Comes Natural, and Honky Tonk Strait. Brown is a multiple Grammy Award-winning producer who has worked with a range of country music stars such as Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, and Martina McBride.
The song’s message is a poignant reflection on life’s precious moments. The Breath You Take steers away from the focus on material possessions or daily routines, instead urging the listener to cherish life’s most meaningful experiences. The song’s success was undeniable, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Country Song in 2011. The Breath You Take also became a staple of Strait’s live performances, including a memorable performance at the 44th Annual CMA Awards in 2010.
The Breath You Take stands as a testament to George Strait’s enduring artistry and his ability to connect with audiences through his music. The song’s thoughtful lyrics and relatable message continue to resonate with listeners today.
Video:
Lyrics:
He looks up from second baseDad’s up in the standsHe saw the hit, the run, the slideThere ain’t no bigger fan
In the parking lot after the gameHe said “Dad I thought you had a plane to catch?”He smiled and said “Yeah son I did”
But life’s not the breath you takeThe breathing in and outThat gets you through the dayAin’t what its all aboutYou just might miss the pointTrying to win the raceLife’s not the breaths you takeBut the moments that take your breath away
Fast forward fifteen yearsAnd a thousand miles awayBoys built a life, he’s got a wifeAnd a baby due todayHe hears a voice saying “I made it son”Says “I told you Dad, you didn’t have to come”He smiles and says “Yeah I know you did”
But life’s not the breath you takeThe breathing in and outThat gets you through the dayAin’t what its all aboutYou just might miss the pointTrying to win the raceLife’s not the breathes you takeBut the moments that take your breath away
Just like it took my breath away when she was bornJust like it took my breath away when Dad took his last that morn
Life’s not the breathes you takeThe breathing in and outThat gets you through the dayAin’t what it’s all aboutYou just might miss the pointIf you don’t slow down the paceLife’s not the breathes you takeBut the moments that take your breath away