Known as the artist who "bridged the gap," Warwick's soulful blend of pop, gospel and R&B music transcended racial, cultural, national, and musical boundaries.
Throughout the 1980's and 1990's, Warwick collaborated with many of her musical peers, including Johnny Mathis, Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osbourne, Kashif and Stevie Wonder. Warwick was also host of the hit television music show, "Solid Gold." In addition, she recorded several theme songs, including "Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams," for the popular television series "Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous," and "The Love Boat," for the hit series from Aaron Spelling. More recently, Warwick recorded her first Christmas album entitled "My Favorite Time of the Year" featured jazzy interpretations of many holiday classics. In 2007, Rhino Records re-released the CD with new cover art, a critically acclaimed Gospel album, "Why We Sing," for Rhino/Warner Records, and a new jazz album, "Only Trust Your Heart," a collection of standards, celebrating the music of legendary composer Sammy Cahn for Sony Red/MPCA Records.
Dionne Warwick has won 5 Grammy Awards during her music career:
• 1969: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"
• 1971: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "I'll Never Fall in Love Again"
• 1979: "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance" for the single, "Déjà Vu"
• 1979: "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" for the single, "I'll Never Love This Way Again"
• 1986: "Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocal" for the single, "That's What Friends Are For"
Dionne Warwick was born in a musical family of which numerous superstars arose.
Warwick's sister Dee Dee Warwick had a successful singing career, Warwick's aunt is gospel singer Cissy Houston, and one of Warwick's cousins is Whitney Houston.
Promises
Dionne Warwick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm all through with promises, promises now
I don't know how I got the nerve to walk out
If I shout, remember I feel free
Now I can look at myself and be proud
I'm laughing out loud
Oh, promises, promises
I don't pretend that what was wrong can be right
Every night I sleep now, no more lies
Things that I promised myself fell apart
But I found my heart
Oh, promises, their kind of promises, can just destroy a life
Oh, promises, those kind of promises, take all the joy from life
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
Can lead to joy and hope and love
Yes, love!!
Every night I sleep now, no more lies
Things that I promised myself fell apart
But I found my heart
Oh, promises, their kind of promises can just destroy a life
Oh, promises, those kind of promises take all the joy from life
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
Can lead to joy and hope and love
Yes, love!!
In Dionne Warwick's song "Promises Promises," the lyrics convey the message of the end of a relationship that has been damaged by broken promises. Warwick's point of view is that she has had enough of these promises and no longer wants to continue living through them. She admits that it took a lot of nerve to walk out on the relationship and if she shouts, it is a sign of liberation. Now that she is out of the situation, she can look at herself in a positive light and feel pride. The lyrics further emphasize the idea that promises are not only harmful but can also be destructive to one's life. Warwick suggests that her kind of promises can lead to joy, hope, and love.
The use of repetition in the lyrics, particularly the phrase "promises, promises," emphasizes the frustration and disappointment Warwick has experienced in this relationship. Instead of offering comfort or stability, promises have caused her pain and disappointment. The lyrics' tone changes towards the end, where Warwick suggests that her promises can lead her to joy, hope, and love, implying that she has learned from her experience and will take a different approach in future relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
Promises, promises
She is tired of hearing empty words and assurances from someone who didn't fulfill those promises.
I'm all through with promises, promises now
She has decided to move on from these fake assurances that only cause her pain and disappointment.
I don't know how I got the nerve to walk out
Despite how difficult it was, she had the strength to leave because she realized that she deserves better than empty promises.
If I shout, remember I feel free
She is expressing her new sense of freedom and independence from the constraint of promises unfulfilled.
Now I can look at myself and be proud
She is proud of herself for taking control of her life and standing up for what she deserves, rather than accepting broken promises.
I'm laughing out loud
She is joyful and free from the burden of promises that never materialized.
Oh, promises, promises
The constant promise of a better future has led to nothing but disappointment and regret.
This is where those promises, promises end
She has finally gotten to the point where she no longer wishes for those empty promises and is ready to move on.
I don't pretend that what was wrong can be right
She acknowledges the reality that the one who made the promises was wrong and that their actions cannot be corrected by words alone.
Every night I sleep now, no more lies
She can finally rest knowing that she is free from the deceitful promises and lies that have plagued her life.
Things that I promised myself fell apart
The things she had hoped for never came to pass, leaving her feeling disillusioned and let down.
But I found my heart
In the midst of disappointment, she has found the will to hope and love again.
Oh, promises, their kind of promises, can just destroy a life
Empty promises have the power to manipulate and control, leading to a life of misery, unfulfilled dreams, and shattered hopes.
Oh, promises, those kind of promises, take all the joy from life
Hollow assurances take away the beauty of life and rob us of our ability to enjoy the present moment with honesty and openness.
Oh, promises, promises, my kind of promises
She recognizes that the kind of promises she makes to herself and others must be genuine, honest, and true to her values and commitments.
Can lead to joy and hope and love
When promises are made with sincerity and honesty, they can lead to a life of joy and fulfillment, full of hope and love.
Yes, love!!
She is affirming the importance of love in her life, which is only possible when promises are made and kept with authenticity and genuine care.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, ONErpm
Written by: HAL DAVID, BURT F. BACHARACH, BURT BACHARACH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The Scarlet and Grey
She can go from being nearly out of breath to the introduction then right into belting out the first verse without missing a beat. Dionne was a true talent that will never be imitated.
V. C. Webster
Is that Wynn in Berkeley?
Herman47
Yes, that was surprising!
Paul k
Is a true talent.
Only Thetruth
The very best. And so humble.
Bill Nyc
Intro was live. The actual song is a sound track that she's lip syncing to. That would explain change of breath between intro vs. song.
portcreditdave
Covering over an octave and with varying time signatures, this is a very difficult song to sing. Warwick is perfect
James Christiansson
Try singing it. It's all that and it's also a blast.
Grey
I can sing it in my sleep
Mariah J.
@Grey no you couldn't