"Harder to Breathe" is a song by American band Maroon 5. The song was written by frontman Adam Levine for the band's debut album, Songs About Jane (2002). The song expresses tension, having been written quickly under trying circumstances. It tells the story about a former relationship Levine was involved in. "Harder to Breathe" was met with positive reception by music critics, who praised the track's sound. It was released in 2002 as the lead single of Songs About Jane.

The song peaked at number six on Airplay Monitor. It also appeared on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart at number 31 and the Billboard Hot 100 at number 18. Internationally, the single charted at #13 in the United Kingdom. "Harder to Breathe" also appeared in the Netherlands, Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand charts, respectively. The song also appears in Maroon 5's 2004 EP 1.22.03.Acoustic in an acoustic version and the live album Live – Friday the 13th (2005).

"Harder to Breathe" was featured in One Tree Hill, ER, Birds of Prey and Mindhunters.

In an interview with MTV News in August 2002, Maroon 5 vocalist Adam Levine, when asked behind the development of "Harder to Breathe", admitted that the song describes the band's frustration with their label, Octone Records, during the making of their debut album, Songs About Jane. The band thought they had enough material for a release, but when the label told them to keep writing, Levine wrote this song in frustration at the pressure. "That song comes sheerly from wanting to throw something. It was the 11th hour, and the label wanted more songs. It was the last crack. I was just pissed. I wanted to make a record and the label was applying a lot of pressure, but I'm glad they did."

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