When I think about the turn my life has taken
I know it's because of you, that I receive so many blessings
I had a home but no privacy, I didn't know a thing about my legacy
When I realized you were there for me, I called on your name and you came
And you did, just what you said, for that I'll love you forever
You kept, your word to me, for that I'll love you forever

A promise, is a promise in my eyes
Can't say you're gonna just to compromise
The very thing that keeps two hearts intertwined
A promise is a promise you can't deny, there's no way

I think of when there was a young boy, not even two years old
Blessed with a mother who loved him so, she abandoned her dreams to nourish his own
It wasn't easy for the two of them, but she knew she had to give him a chance
At a better life, it was only right, so she worked and she prayed
And she did, just what she say, for that he'll love her forever
She kept her word to him, for that he'll love her forever

A promise, is a promise in my eyes
Can't say you're gonna just to compromise
The very thing that keeps two hearts intertwined
A promise is a promise you can't deny, there's no way

A man's only as good as his word

Her wedding day and she's thinking ‘bout the way he won her affection
She was so cynical about love ‘cause she didn't want to be heart broken again
He looked her in her eye with sincerity, said he only wanted to protect her so she
Took a chance on him and she's glad she did because he came for real
And he did, just what he said, for that she'll love him forever
He kept his word to her, for that she'll love him forever

A promise, is a promise in my eyes
Can't say you're gonna just to compromise
The very thing that keeps two hearts intertwined
A promise is a promise you can't deny, there's no way

A man's only as good as his word

Overall Meaning

In "Promises" by India.Arie, the singer praises the importance of keeping one's promises. She recounts different scenarios in which people kept to their word and how it impacted the situation positively. The first example she uses is her own, about how she was in a position of vulnerability and needed help. She called on someone for support, and they delivered. This made her realize the value of keeping promises and the impact it has on a person's life. She then talks about a mother who sacrificed her dreams for her child's future, and a couple who kept their word to each other in their relationship.

The song's message is that promises hold immense power and should be taken seriously. It is a tribute to those who keep their word and an encouragement to others to follow their example. India.Arie's soulful voice brings the lyrics to life, and the message resonates with listeners as they reflect on the importance of keeping their own promises.

Line by Line Meaning

When I think about the turn my life has taken
Reflecting on the positive changes in my life

I know it's because of you, that I receive so many blessings
Grateful for the positive influence of a special person

I had a home but no privacy, I didn't know a thing about my legacy
Realizing the lack of understanding in my past

When I realized you were there for me, I called on your name and you came
Feeling the comfort and support of a trusted individual

And you did, just what you said, for that I'll love you forever
Appreciating someone who follows through on their promises

You kept, your word to me, for that I'll love you forever
Expressing love for a person who has kept their promises

A promise, is a promise in my eyes
Believing that keeping promises is important

Can't say you're gonna just to compromise
Promising without the intention to comply is wrong

The very thing that keeps two hearts intertwined
Trust and honesty are essential for strong relationships

A promise is a promise you can't deny, there's no way
Breaking a promise is unacceptable

I think of when there was a young boy, not even two years old
Reflecting on a past moment of sacrifice

Blessed with a mother who loved him so, she abandoned her dreams to nourish his own
Recognizing the selfless love and commitment of a mother

It wasn't easy for the two of them, but she knew she had to give him a chance
Understanding the difficulties of making a sacrifice for someone else

At a better life, it was only right, so she worked and she prayed
Dedicating effort and spirituality towards achieving a better life

And she did, just what she say, for that he'll love her forever
Expressing gratitude for someone who has kept their promises

She kept her word to him, for that he'll love her forever
Valuing the importance of keeping promises in relationships

Her wedding day and she's thinking ‘bout the way he won her affection
Recalling a memorable moment in a romantic relationship

She was so cynical about love ‘cause she didn't want to be heart broken again
Admitting past emotional hurt and fear

He looked her in her eye with sincerity, said he only wanted to protect her so she
Gaining trust and comfort from promises of protection

Took a chance on him and she's glad she did because he came for real
Appreciating someone who has followed through on promises

And he did, just what he said, for that she'll love him forever
Acknowledging the love for another person who has kept promises

He kept his word to her, for that she'll love him forever
Valuing the importance of trust and honesty in a relationship

A man's only as good as his word
Stressing the importance of integrity and honesty

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