Breath of Life (Erasure song)

History

The track was written by Erasure (Vince Clarke and Andy Bell) and was remixed slightly for its release as a single (including a shortened intro).

The lyrics are from the point of view of someone who is beginning to experience life on his own terms, finding love and making decisions without the control of outside influences. "Breath of Life" is an uptempo synthpop song; its dance music elements were strongly accentuated for the club remixes.

"Breath of Life" became Erasure's eleventh Top 10 hit on the UK singles chart, peaking at number eight. Their string of Top 40 singles in Germany was broken with this release when it peaked at number forty-four. It did not enter the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

Unlike all of Erasure's prior single releases in the UK, "Breath of Life" contained no B-side tracks.

7": Mute / MUTE142 (UK)

1. "Breath of Life" (Single Mix)
2. "Breath of Life" (Swiss Mix)
3. "Breath of Life" (Accapella Dub Mix)

12": Mute / 12 MUTE142 (UK)

1. "Breath of Life" (Divine Inspiration Mix)
2. "Breath of Life" (Umbilical Mix)
3. "Breath of Life" (Swiss Mix)
4. "Breath of Life" (Elixir Mix)
5. "Breath of Life" (Stripped Mix)

CD: Mute / CDMUTE142 (UK)

1. "Breath of Life" (7" Mix)
2. "Breath of Life" (Divine Inspiration Mix)
3. "Breath of Life" (Stripped Mix)
4. "Breath of Life"
5. "Breath of Life" (Accapella Dub Mix)

CD: Sire / 40344-2 (US)

1. "Breath of Life" (Single Remix)
2. "Breath of Life" (Divine Inspiration Mix)
3. "Breath of Life" (Swiss Mix)
4. "Waiting For Sex" (Full Version)
5. "Breath of Life" (Umbilical Mix)
6. "Breath of Life" (Elixir Mix)
7. "Breath of Life" (Stripped Mix)
8. "Carry On Clangers"