An early version of the song, entitled "Breath and a Scream", was included as part of the reissue of the band's debut album, Ten, in 2009.
The song originated as an instrumental demo called "Doobie E" that was written by Gossard in 1990.
[3] The same sessions also produced "State of Love and Trust", "Dirty Frank", and the re-recorded version of "Even Flow".
[4]"Breath" was first performed live at the band's October 22, 1990 concert in Seattle, Washington at the Off Ramp Café.
[6] "Breath" finally made a return appearance at the band's September 11, 1998 concert in New York City at Madison Square Garden.