The song was initially developed by the Edge, with co-writer and producer Daniel Lanois noting "he had that pretty intact without our involvement.
[9] "Breathe" was first performed live on the No Line on the Horizon promotional tour during an appearance on the French television program Le Grand Journal.
[10] It was played at several other promotional events leading up to the album's release, including a Live Lounge session for BBC Radio 1, on CBS-TV's Late Show with David Letterman, and a short set at Fordham University.
[15][16] The song's performance in Pasadena, California was omitted from the concert's video release, U2 360° at the Rose Bowl, but was included on some editions as a bonus track.
[20] Rolling Stone speculated that the closing lyrics reflected Bono's feelings in being a member of U2, calling the track "hard-rock clatter.
"[21] Allmusic had a favourable impression of the song, stating "U2 strike that unmistakable blend of soaring, widescreen sonics and unflinching openhearted emotion that's been their trademark, turning the intimate into something hauntingly universal.
"[22] Q said the track's position alongside "White as Snow" and "Cedars of Lebanon" at the end of the album gave No Line on the Horizon "its twist in the tail", describing the song as "all jungle rumble drums and crashing guitars.
"[23] Entertainment Weekly enjoyed the song, calling it an "instant classic" while describing it as a "stomping, snarling rumination about engaging the world with open arms despite so much external gloom and internal angst.
[25] Pitchfork had a negative impression of the song, stating that some of the lyrics sound "like a cop-out from a man who spent so much time struggling with salvation.