About the song
“Promises” is a timeless country music classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. Written by Randy Travis and John Lindley, this beautiful ballad was first released in March 1987 as the B-side to Travis’ hit single “Forever and Ever, Amen.” However, it wasn’t until May 1989 that “Promises” was given its due as the A-side single from Travis’ album Old 8×10. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, which speak to the power of commitment and devotion, resonated deeply with country music fans, propelling it to a respectable peak of number 17 on the US Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and number 12 in Canada.
Throughout its history, “Promises” has been covered by several notable artists, including Daryle Singletary, who recorded his own version for his 2007 album Straight from the Heart. Despite the passage of time, “Promises” remains a beloved and enduring country music staple, a testament to the enduring power of Travis’ songwriting and the timeless appeal of his music.
The song’s success can be attributed to its universal themes of love, loyalty, and commitment, which continue to resonate with listeners of all ages. “Promises” is a masterclass in country music storytelling, with Travis’ distinctive vocals bringing the song’s emotional lyrics to life. The song’s production is equally impressive, with a simple yet effective arrangement that allows the listener to focus on the song’s poignant lyrics and soaring melody.
In conclusion, “Promises” is a country music classic that has stood the test of time, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring power of Randy Travis’ music. With its beautiful melody, heartfelt lyrics, and timeless themes, “Promises” is a song that will continue to captivate listeners for generations to come.
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Lyrics
Cheap perfume and painted faces
Fallen angels fill the places
Where I go when my troubles pull me down
And all the lies, I know they’ll tell me
And the time that they will sell me
For a while, I’ll be the biggest man in town
Back at home
In bed she’s crying
For her love for me is dying
But she’ll pray I make it safely through the night
When the morning sun starts showing
To her bedside I’ll be going
And she’ll hold me
While I face the morning light
And I’ll make promises
Promises to change
I’ll make her promises
Swear I’ll rearrange
And I’ll start giving all the love she needs
If only she will stay
Once again, she’ll reassure me
And I believe her love will cure me
And I’ll fall asleep with tears on my face
And I know she’s just a woman
And her love can’t last forever
And someday soon
I know she’ll leave without a trace
For broken promises will tear her dreams apart
Just token promises will someday break her heart
And for the last time
She’ll hold me when I cry and while I’m sleeping
She’ll quietly say goodbye