Breathe (2 AM)

"Breathe (2 AM)" is a song by American singer-songwriter Anna Nalick, released in November 2004 as her debut single. It was re-released in 2005, when it charted at number 45 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart. In New Zealand, it entered the top 40, peaking at number 37. "Breathe (2 AM)" has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Content

The verses of "Breathe (2 AM)" tell the stories of three characters: a friend of the narrator's who has fallen into an unhappy relationship, an alcoholic soldier at Fort Bliss, and the narrator's experience of writing and performing a song. Chuck Taylor describes it as "an introspective yet confessional tale about learning to handle everyday challenges — and remembering to take time to breathe".

Composition

The song is composed in a key of A major, the time signature is 6 8 compound, and the tempo is "moderately slow, in 2" of 55 bpm, with the vocal range of F♯3–A4, according to Musicnotes.com.

Release

In the United States, only a promotional disc of "Breathe (2 AM)" was released. In Australia, a proper CD single was issued, backed with acoustic versions of non-album track "Home" and Wreck of the Day album track "Catalyst".

Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the US promo CD liner notes.

Studios

• Produced and recorded at Studio Wishbone (North Hollywood, California)
• Mixed at Image Recording Studios (Hollywood, California)
• Mastered at The Lodge (New York City)

Personnel

• Anna Nalick – words, music, vocals
• Christopher Thorn – guitars, production, recording
• Brad Smith – bass, production, recording
• Joey Waronker – drums
• Zac Rae – piano
• Cameron Stone – cello
• Eric Rosse – string arrangement, production, recording
• Chris Lord-Alge – mixing
• Emily Lazar – mastering
• Sarah Register – mastering assistant

Charts

Certifications

Release history