GEORGE: The Dark Side of FLOYD...

Thomas Tittmann
May 25
4 min read

GEORGE FLOYD: “I can’t BREATHE…I can’t BREATHE…”

PINK FLOYD: “BREATHE in the air…”

[from the link below]

--Before George Floyd became a movement, he was a heart-led human being who brought joy to many, according to his girlfriend and uncle.

For Courteney Ross, there’s a distinction between the man she still loves and the movement that bears his name.

“I kind of have to separate Floyd from George Floyd,” said Ross.

Ross met Floyd, who she called by his last name – “unless I was getting mad at him and call(ing) him George Perry Floyd” – in 2017. Floyd was working security at the Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center, where Ross was waiting to visit someone. Floyd noticed that Ross was becoming upset and offered to pray with her.

“I just was so kind of taken back by how kind he was,” said Ross of their chance encounter. This was the first time she learned who he was – someone who would support people when he saw that they needed help. “He had these big long arms that he would just kind of wrap around people and give them all types of support and love. And he was doing that for me that night.” [click the link to continue reading]

To those closest to him, he was Perry or Floyd 5/22/25 - MINNPost

H.E.R. - I Can't Breathe (Official Video) (04:46)

I can't breathe - Wikipedia

PINK FLOYD ■BREATHE /IN THE AIR/■ (02:50)

Pink Floyd - Breathe (1972) (02:52)

POSTSCRIPT: The MOURNING After...

At 11:30 last night, as I was beginning to draft the post, I decided to try something new - a feature in Word called "Copilot." Following the onscreen prompts I typed "compare George Floyd's 'I can't breathe' with Pink Floyd's 'breathe'"...Copilot was unable to generate anything.

When I did the same query now - 8 hours later - Copilot offered these reflections:

Comparing "I Can't Breathe" by George Floyd and "Breathe" by Pink Floyd

A Reflection on Expression, Context, and Meaning

The phrase "I can't breathe" uttered by George Floyd during his tragic death in 2020 became a rallying cry for the Black Lives Matter movement and a symbol of systemic injustice. On the other hand, "Breathe," a song by the legendary rock band Pink Floyd from their 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon, explores existential themes of human life and the passage of time. While these two phrases originate from vastly different contexts and purposes, their juxtaposition highlights the power of language in conveying profound emotional and societal truths.

Historical and Cultural Context

George Floyd's "I can't breathe" emerged in a harrowing moment of personal agony. His words, repeated multiple times while restrained by law enforcement, transcended the immediate incident to symbolize the oppression and systemic racism faced by Black communities worldwide. The phrase became a global call to action, resonating deeply in protests, art, and literature as a collective demand for justice and equality.

In contrast, Pink Floyd's "Breathe" was created in a different cultural milieu. As part of an album exploring universal themes like time, mortality, and the pressures of modern life, the song reflects a more introspective and philosophical exploration. Its lyrics invite the listener to contemplate their place in the world and the inevitability of human experiences.

Tone and Emotional Impact

"I can't breathe" is raw, immediate, and visceral. It evokes a sense of urgency, desperation, and collective outrage. The power of these three words lies in their simplicity and directness, which makes them unforgettable and haunting. They encapsulate a lived experience of suffering and the broader societal struggle against systemic oppression.

On the other hand, Pink Floyd's "Breathe" adopts a more contemplative and meditative tone. Its lyrics, paired with a soothing musical backdrop, create space for reflection rather than action. The song's existential musings encourage listeners to slow down, take in the world, and ponder the transient nature of life.

Symbolism and Legacy

George Floyd's "I can't breathe" is a symbol of resistance and a plea for acknowledgment of systemic inequalities. It has fueled movements, inspired change, and brought global attention to issues of police brutality and racial injustice. Its legacy lies in its ability to unify and mobilize people toward a common cause.

Conversely, Pink Floyd's "Breathe" symbolizes the timeless human quest for meaning and balance. Its legacy is artistic and introspective, continuing to inspire listeners to find solace in the complexities of life. The song remains an enduring piece of rock history, celebrated for its lyrical depth and musical innovation.

Conclusion

Though "I can't breathe" and "Breathe" stem from entirely different origins, their resonance lies in their ability to communicate complex emotions and ideas through brevity and simplicity. George Floyd's words became a powerful cry for justice and human dignity, while Pink Floyd's song remains a poignant reminder of life's fragility and interconnectedness. Together, they exemplify the profound ways in which language and art can illuminate the human condition, even in vastly different contexts.

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