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I Promise
Radiohead Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise

I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more, I promise

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Radiohead's song "I Promise" are a confessional vow made by the singer to commit unreservedly to their significant other. Although there are no specific details provided on what the singer has done or why their partner may want to "lock them out" or "tie them to the rotten deck," it can be inferred that their relationship has seen some turbulence. However, the singer promises to be steadfast and true, even when things get tough. They promise to not run away even when they get bored or when the relationship is on the brink of breaking apart. The line "I say my prayers every night, I promise" is a nod to the singer's commitment to faithfully honoring their promises and seeking guidance in their decisions.


The line "Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise" is particularly poignant, as it communicates the singer's willingness to be tied down in the face of the potentially disastrous state of their relationship. The image of a rotting deck hints at the fragility of the situation and the danger posed by the rough seas. It's possible that the singer is willing to stake everything on their commitment to their partner - even if the odds seem insurmountable.


Overall, "I Promise" is a powerful song that reflects the complex emotions involved in relationships, particularly when they are subject to difficult times. The lyrics imply an earnest desire to stick it out, and some fans have interpreted the song as a reflection of radiohead's own dogged determination to stay true to their artistic vision in the face of commercial pressures.


Line by Line Meaning

I won't run away no more, I promise
I vow to not flee or escape any longer, and I'm making that commitment to you


Even when I get bored, I promise
My boredom will not lead me astray or push me to leave, as I pledge to stay put


Even when you lock me out, I promise
In the event that you shut me out, I give my word to not disappear and instead work to resolve matters


I say my prayers every night, I promise
I'm making a solemn promise to you, and my religious devotion underlines my commitment


I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
I'm not trying to be universally accepted, as I make a statement of loyalty to you


The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
I'm devoted even during the difficult times, and am prepared to work through any raucous or solemn discussions


Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Despite the occurrence of an unfortunate event, I remain committed to you and refuse to abandon ship


Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I ask that I am bound to this situation, even if it isn't ideal, as I will see it through with you


I won't run away no more, I promise
In case there was any doubt, I reiterate my determination to not flee and instead stay dedicated to you




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@MrEarth425

Radiohead - I Promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise



@happiness7141

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise



@angeltellez3303

[Verse 1]
I won't run away no more
I promise
Even when I get bored
I promise
Even when you lock me out
I promise
I say my prayers every night
I promise

[Verse 2]
I know which side I'm spread
I promise
The tantrums and the chitty chats
I promise

[Chorus]
Even when the ship is wrecked
I promise
Tie me to the rotting deck
I promise

[Verse 3]
I won't run away no more
I promise
Even when I get bored
I promise


[Chorus]
Even when the ship is wrecked
I promise
Tie me to the rotting deck
I promise

[Outro]
I won't run away no more
I promise



@rafalmisiewicz8733

Lyrics:

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise

I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more, I promise



@marcelobeniciojunior7420

Radioead-I Promise(lyrics)

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm strict, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't fool around no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I won't fool around no more, I promise



@tashadriano5285

so we can sing along

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spared, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise



@tylerandjosh349

LYRICS:
(Intro)
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
Say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spared, I promise
Tantrums and the chilling chats, i promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise


I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more, I promise
(End)



@VinEllis

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even if you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise

I know which side I'm spread, I promise
The tensions and the chitty chat, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise

I won't run away no more
I promise



All comments from YouTube:

@myfavoritedrime

The video was filmed in Warsaw. I was on a night walk with a dog and this old bus was passing by me ... There were loads of cameras and I wondered what the song would be .... and here the radiohead :)

@xtxpxhx

+

@nous2658

That would make watching this just a little sweeter than normal.

@semagcr

myfavoritedrime mycanal haha it is so cute memory

@justynagrzywacz79

Is there Agata Buzek????Or am I wrong???

@myfavoritedrime

Yes, it's her :)

72 More Replies...

@alisapritchard9207

Rediscovering Radiohead in your 30s is a totally different experience than in your teens.

@musclevation9640

Had the same notion..well said.

@lucalone

I bought the oknotok album because I just wanted a backup for my first pressing from 1997 and the bonus lp was a big suprise musically! great "new" songs!

@marnatural7748

Im in my 30s too, greetings from south america👍💪

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