Don't Make Promises
Gary Puckett Lyrics


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It seems the songs we're singing
Are all about tomorrow
Tunes of promises you can't keep
Every moment bringing
A love I can only have borrow
You're telling me lies in your sleep

Do you think I'm not aware
Of what you're saying
Or why you're saying it?

Is it hard to keep me where
You want me staying?
Don't go on betraying it

Don't make promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)

We had a chance to find it
Our time was now or never
You promised me things that I need
But then all the things behind it
Took away the chance forever
You're telling me lies in your sleep

Do you think I'm not aware
Of what you are saying
Or why you're saying it?

Is it hard to keep me where
You want me staying
Don't go on betraying it

Don't, no, no
Don't make promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)
Don't make promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)
Hey, no, don't make promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)




Don't you ever make those promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)
No, no, don't make promises

Overall Meaning

"Don't Make Promises" by Gary Puckett & The Union Gap is a song that addresses the issue of unfulfilled promises. The singer expresses frustration with his partner who makes promises but fails to keep them. The song emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and the consequences of breaking promises. The lyrics suggest that the singer is angry and hurt by his partner's lack of commitment and reliability. He warns his partner not to make promises that they cannot keep.


The lyrics speak to the universal experience of disappointment and uncertainty when someone fails to keep a promise. The song is a classic example of a breakup song that speaks to the heartache of a relationship gone sour. The singer is frustrated with his partner but still loves them and wants to believe in their promises. The song's catchy melody and upbeat rhythm contrast with the sad lyrics, making the song a poignant lament about the pain of unfulfilled promises.


Line by Line Meaning

It seems the songs we're singing
The things we are saying and doing in our relationship


Are all about tomorrow
Are always about the future


Tunes of promises you can't keep
We keep promising things we can't deliver


Every moment bringing
Every time we spend together


A love I can only have borrow
I can only temporarily have your love


You're telling me lies in your sleep
You are even lying to me in your dreams


Do you think I'm not aware
You think I am not aware of your deceptions


Of what you're saying
Of the things you are saying to me


Or why you're saying it?
Or why you are even saying them?


Is it hard to keep me where
Is it difficult to keep me around


You want me staying?
The way you want me to stay?


Don't go on betraying it
Stop deceiving me


We had a chance to find it
We had an opportunity to make our relationship work


Our time was now or never
If we didn't seize the moment, we might never get another chance


You promised me things that I need
You made promises to me that I have been relying on


But then all the things behind it
However, there are other things preventing you from fulfilling those promises


Took away the chance forever
Those things prevented us from ever having a chance again


Don't, no, no
Stop, no, no


Don't make promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)
Stop making promises you can't fulfill


Hey, no, don't make promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)
Hey, don't ever make promises you can't fulfill


Don't you ever make those promises you can't keep (don't make promises you can't keep)
Never make those promises you can't fulfill


No, no, don't make promises you can't keep, baby (don't make promises you can't keep)
No, don't ever make promises you can't fulfill, baby




Contributed by Kayla K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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