It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing
Shania Twain · Up!
Hope life's been good to you
since you've been gone
I'm doin' fine now--I've finally moved on
It's not so bad--I'm not that sad
I'm not surprised just how well I survived
I'm over the worst, and I feel so alive
I can't complain--I'm free again
[Chorus:]
And it only hurts when I'm breathing
My heart only breaks when it's beating
My dreams only die when I'm dreaming
So, I hold my breath--to forget
Don't think I'm lyin' 'round cryin' at night
There's no need to worry, I'm really all right
I've never looked back--as a matter of fact
[Repeat Chorus]
It only hurts when I breathe
Mmm, no, I've never looked back--
as a matter fact
[Repeat Chorus]
Hurts when I'm breathing
Breaks when it's beating
Die when I'm dreaming
It only hurts when I breathe
since you've been gone
I'm doin' fine now--I've finally moved on
It's not so bad--I'm not that sad
I'm not surprised just how well I survived
I'm over the worst, and I feel so alive
I can't complain--I'm free again
[Chorus:]
And it only hurts when I'm breathing
My heart only breaks when it's beating
My dreams only die when I'm dreaming
So, I hold my breath--to forget
Don't think I'm lyin' 'round cryin' at night
There's no need to worry, I'm really all right
I've never looked back--as a matter of fact
[Repeat Chorus]
It only hurts when I breathe
Mmm, no, I've never looked back--
as a matter fact
[Repeat Chorus]
Hurts when I'm breathing
Breaks when it's beating
Die when I'm dreaming
It only hurts when I breathe
It Only Hurts When I'm Breathing
Released on the 1997 album Up!, this track stands as a cornerstone of Shania Twain's evolution from country to pop-country. The song features a distinct acoustic guitar-driven arrangement that contrasts with the heavy production of her earlier work, showcasing her versatility as a songwriter and performer. It became a massive commercial success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying her status as a global superstar. The recording exemplifies the polished, radio-friendly sound that defined the late 1990s pop landscape while maintaining Twain's signature vocal style and thematic focus on heartbreak and resilience.