I Promise
Promises Unveiled: Love's Redemption in Janet Gardner and Justin James' Melodic Tale
Lyrics
She left you standing there
She left the person standing with an engagement ring.
With a ring in your hand
Describes the tangible symbol of commitment left behind.
She put a hurt on you but you always knew
She caused emotional pain, but the person always had a suspicion in their mind.
In the back of your mind.
The lingering doubt or concern in the person's subconscious.
He left me standing there
He left her alone while showing affection to someone else.
while he played with her hair.
Refers to his actions playing with another person's hair.
He put a hurt on me. I just couldn't see.
He caused emotional pain, but she couldn't see it due to blinded affection.
affection is blind.
Highlights the theme that affection can blind one to the flaws in a relationship.
Choice's made ouuu we can't go back
Choices made cannot be reversed, and the mention of fading feelings.
feelings fade. fade away.
Emphasizes the transient nature of emotions.
Price is paid. Freedom has a price.
Suggests that freedom comes at a cost and may involve sacrifice.
Leads me to you.
The consequences of choices lead the speaker to the current relationship.
Chorus:
Chorus begins.
Well I promise
The speaker makes a promise not to take out past hurts on the current partner.
I won't take this out on you
Continuation of the promise not to blame the partner for past actions.
and I promise I won't blame you for all the things that you didn't do.
Recognition that both individuals in the current relationship are different from past ones.
Well you're not him and I'm not her so what are we waiting for?
Questioning what they are waiting for, suggesting a desire to move forward.
Well I promise I won't hurt you like she hurt you before.
Reiterates the promise not to hurt the current partner as in the past.
The Look upon her face when you caught her in a lie
Describes the expression on her face when caught lying, portraying indifference.
was just an empty stare like she didn't care.
Her stare was vacant, indicating a lack of concern or remorse.
A loss of desire.
Loss of desire in the relationship.
The look upon his face was like an angry little child
Describes his angry expression, likening it to a child's tantrum.
and he could sense my fear it was oh so clear our dreams were on fire.
He sensed the speaker's fear, and their dreams were in jeopardy.
In and out... in and out of love
Describes the tumultuous nature of being in and out of love.
Always doubt...list our way
Expresses persistent doubt and confusion in the relationship.
Wasting time. Time was closing in
Time is running out, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Then there was you.
Introduces the concept of a new person entering the speaker's life.
Chorus
Chorus repetition.
Solo
Instrumental solo section.
Chorus
Final repetition of the chorus, concluding the song.
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