The Hollies are an English rock and pop band formed in Manchester in 1962. They are famous for their distinctive three-part vocal harmonies. The band was founded by Allan Clarke and Graham Nash, who later left to join Crosby, Stills & Nash.
The band had many hits in the 1960s and 1970s, including “Bus Stop,” “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,” and “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress.” They are known for their catchy melodies and lasting influence on British rock music.
The band has never officially disbanded and continues to perform and record. In 2010, The Hollies band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
About the Song
The Air That I Breathe is one of the band’s most famous ballads. The song carries a calm, emotional tone and speaks about how love is all someone needs to survive.
The lyrics convey a sense of peace, contentment, and the simple yet powerful feeling of being in love. The song remains timeless and has been covered by various artists over the years.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | January 1, 1972 |
| Album | At Abbey Road 1973 to 1989 (1998) |
| Writer | Albert Hammond, Mike Hazlewood |
| Producer | Ron Richards, The Hollies |
Complete Lyrics of The Air That I Breathe
Verse 1
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
Verse 2
Making love with you
Has left me peaceful, warm, and tired
What more could I ask?
There’s nothing left to be desired
Refrain
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep
Chorus
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
Instrumental Break
Refrain
Peace came upon me and it leaves me weak
So sleep, silent angel, go to sleep
Chorus
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
Outro
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
Similar Songs Like The Air That I Breathe
These tracks share the same emotional style, soft rock feel, or lyrical depth, but each one has its own unique sound and story.
- He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother: This emotional ballad focuses on loyalty and compassion. It has powerful orchestration and gentle vocals that speak straight to the heart.
- Bus Stop: A catchy song that tells a sweet story of love starting at a bus stop. It mixes fun lyrics with strong harmonies.
- Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress): With a rock-and-roll twist, this song is more upbeat and mysterious. It shows a totally different side of The Hollies’ sound.
Similar Artists Like The Hollies
Here are artists similar to The Hollies, each of whom played a significant role in shaping 1960s–1970s pop and rock music.
- The Byrds
Genre: Folk Rock / Psychedelic Rock
Top albums: Mr. Tambourine Man (1965), Turn! Turn! Turn! (1965), Younger Than Yesterday (1967), The Notorious Byrd Brothers (1968) - The Zombies
Genre: Psychedelic Pop / Baroque Pop
Top albums: Begin Here (1965), Odessey and Oracle (1968), R.I.P. (recorded in 1969, released in 2000) - The Kinks
Genre: Rock / British Invasion
Top albums: The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society (1968), Something Else by The Kinks (1967), Arthur (Or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire) (1969) - The Tremeloes
Genre: Pop Rock / Beat
Top albums: Here Come the Tremeloes (1967), Alan, Dave, Rick and Chip (1967), Suddenly You Love Me (1968) - Herman’s Hermits
Genre: Beat / Pop Rock
Top albums: Introducing Herman’s Hermits (1965), Both Sides of Herman’s Hermits (1966), Blaze (1967)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Charts did The Hollies’ Version The Air That I Breathe Reach?
The Hollies’ version reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart, number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 3 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Has The Air That I Breathe Appeared in Films or TV?
Yes, it has been featured in several movies and commercials.
Did Any Other Artists Cover The Air That I Breathe?
Yes, Phil Everly covered it in 1973, and Olivia Newton-John also recorded a version. Albert Hammond himself first recorded it in 1972.
