Like many French rock songs the topic is about a controversial and realistic subject, in this case, the environment and its destruction.

The first part of the song deals with the story of humans' arrival on Earth and their disturbance of the whole balance of nature.

The second part imagines the future of people if they continue to do so (referring to the disappearance of natural resources, animals and even genetic modification because of pollution) and how the "kid" will try to explain to his grandchildren why he did nothing to prevent it.

The music video was produced as an animated feature, co-directed by Jerôme Combe, Stéphane Hamache and André Bessy.

In France, "Respire" won two Victoires de la musique in 2004 : one for the best song of the year, the other for the best music video.