"Harder to Breathe" is the debut single of American band Maroon 5, released in May 22, 2002 as the lead single from the band's debut album, Songs About Jane (2002). Co-written by frontman Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael, the song expresses tension, having been written quickly under trying circumstances, and tells the story about a former relationship Levine was involved in. It was positively received by music critics, who praised the track's sound.