Meaning and Lyrics of Promise by Laufey

“Promise” by Laufey unfolds a narrative of emotional turmoil and the struggle to keep a commitment. The lyrics in the song reflect a journey of longing, restraint, and eventual surrender to emotions.

In the first verse, the singer recalls a promise made to distance themselves, perhaps from a past relationship or a situation. The imagery of taking a flight through aurora skies conveys a sense of moving away physically, yet emotionally conflicted. The absence of a proper goodbye, with just a casual “See you very soon,” hints at unresolved feelings and unaddressed closure.

The chorus delves into the pain of existing as something and the deeper agony of feeling like nothing when connected to someone. This juxtaposition speaks to the internal struggle of maintaining individuality while being intertwined with another person.

The second verse reveals the struggle to uphold the promise of distance, with the singer resisting the urge to reach out for sixteen days. The mention of needing a cigarette for restraint emphasizes the internal battle and the craving for connection despite the vow to stay away.

The bridge introduces a sense of inevitability and futility, with the singer acknowledging the lack of a solution and the realization that the relationship may not endure. The question of why they can’t let go hints at the complexities of attachment and the difficulty of breaking free from emotional ties.

In the third verse, the breaking of the promise becomes inevitable, as the singer gives in to the impulse to call the person. The sight of someone resembling the person they’re trying to distance themselves from triggers this breach of commitment, emphasizing the power of visual reminders and the persistence of memories.

The song’s repetition of the chorus and outro emphasizes the central theme of the pain of being entangled with someone while also feeling like nothing in their presence. This internal conflict, the push-and-pull of emotions, and the ultimate surrender to the connection despite the initial promise of distance create a poignant narrative of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships.