Carman (Carmelo Domenic Licciardello) was born in New Jersey where he grew … Read Full Bio ↴Carman (Carmelo Domenic Licciardello) was born in New Jersey where he grew up in an Italian home full of music and laughter. As a boy, Carman played the drums and the guitar, and he began singing in his teenage years. As his career developed, Carman played clubs then went on to Las Vegas. It was after seeing an Andrae Crouch concert that Carman gave his life to Jesus Christ and embraced his new found faith in the living Savior. After five years of ministerial preparation, he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he began to develop his ministry headquarters for a worldwide outreach.

During the next two decades Carman changed the face of Christian music and evolved contemporary evangelism into what it is today. Carman established "Carman World Outreach," a non-profit organization that helps touch the lives of literally millions of people worldwide. Billboard Magazine recognized Carman's influence in Christian music by first naming him "Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year" in 1990. He has received numerous gold and platinum albums and videos. Even with all this success, the heartbeat of this Champion for Christ continues to beat strong for the souls of people who need Jesus. As an outflow of this passion, Carman had more than 50,000 people attend his "Music for Peace" crusade in Johannesburg, South Africa. These numbers topped the charts as his largest concert crusade ever, until more than 70,000 people packed the legendary Texas Stadium, making it the largest Christian concert in history.

For over 26 years, Carman has entertained, encouraged and preached the Gospel to millions-crossing denominational, cultural and ethnic lines. During this time, he has never compromised the call to take the Gospel to every person.

Carman died on February 16, 2021 (28 days after his 65th birthday) in a Las Vegas hospital, after a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. He was survived by his ex-wife, five stepchildren and ten step-grandchildren.

I Promise
Carman Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

(Male)
For better, for worse
For richer, for poor
In sickness and health
I will be yours
And you'll always, be here in my heart

(Female)

To honor, to cherish
To care for, to say
This love will not perish
I'm yours everyday and forever
You'll be here in my heart

(Both)
When the world is falling down
I will always be around
Though the tides may change
The winds may blow
I want you now to know

Chorus:
(Male) That/And I promise that I will love you
(Female) And I promise that I'll love you, too
(Both)
Here's my heart
I give it away
On this our wedding day

(repeat chorus)

On this our wedding...

On this our wedding day

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Carman's "I Promise" are all about the vows exchanged between two people during their wedding day. The song beautifully captures the essence of what it means to love and cherish a person for the rest of your life. The male protagonist starts singing by promising that he will be with his partner through all the ups and downs of life - good or bad, healthy or sick, in every circumstance he will be by her side. The female protagonist then echoes his words, promising to honor and cherish him, to care for him every day and forever.

Together they sing, promising to be each other's support system when the world is falling apart, and no matter how much the tides of life may change, their love will remain strong. In the chorus, both of them promise to love each other, giving their hearts away on their wedding day. This song is an ode to the most beautiful and memorable day of a couple's life, where they promise to be together till their last breath. The lyrics are an embodiment of the assurance, devotion, and the unconditional love that two people promise to share throughout their journey together.

Line by Line Meaning

For better, for worse
I vow to be with you whether our lives together are better or worse

For richer, for poor
I vow to be with you whether our financial situation is good or bad

In sickness and health
I vow to be by your side whether you are healthy or sick

I will be yours
I promise to be yours, commit to you completely

And you'll always, be here in my heart
I will always love and cherish you in my heart

To honor, to cherish
I promise to honor and cherish you every day of our lives

To care for, to say
I vow to take care of you and to always be there for you

This love will not perish
Our love is eternal and will never die

I'm yours everyday and forever
I belong to you each day, and our love will last forever

You'll be here in my heart
Your presence will always remain with me in my heart

When the world is falling down
Even when life feels chaotic and out of control, I will be there for you