Armatrading has mixed eclectic musical styles over decades of recording and performing. She has had several British hit singles, the biggest of which were "Love & Affection", "Me Myself I", and "Drop the Pilot". Her music is generally pop, with forays into rock, folk, jazz, and even reggae. Her popularity is primarily as an album artist.
She gained a new audience following her writing and performing "The Flight of the Wild Geese", which was used during the opening and end titles for the 1978 film The Wild Geese.
Armatrading first performed in a concert at Birmingham University for her brother at the age of about 16 (circa 1966). She only knew her own songs, but her brother asked her to perform something that would be familiar to the audience; she chose "The Sound of Silence".[9] She then performed her own songs around the local area with a friend from school, and played bass and rhythm guitar at local clubs.
Promise Land
Joan Armatrading Lyrics
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And I've lived the perfect life
Alright
By somebody else's standards
All this time I did not feel too bad
But I was not what you call happy
Not really
I was searching for something
And all this time you were waiting
All this time I've been living a lie
And I even fooled myself completely
Now I'm really ready
Right or wrong
I will follow your course
And if you go down I'll drown
So save me
I'm not as strong as I look yea
All this time I've been saying
No
But all this time
I've been meaning
Yes I'm ready to take your hand
Follow you into the promise land
Ooh yea let's talk about it
I'm a fool for you
Ducking and diving
'Cos I'm a fool for you
All this time I've been saying
No
But all this time
I've been meaning
Yes I'm ready to take your hand
Follow you into the promise land
The lyrics of "Promise Land" by Joan Armatrading tell the story of someone who has been living a life that is not their own. They have been following the rules and living up to someone else's standards, but despite their efforts, they have not found happiness. They have been searching for something, and all the while, the person they were meant to be with was waiting for them. The singer realizes that they have been living a lie, and that they have been fooling themselves all along. They are finally ready to take a chance, to follow their heart, and to take the risk of entering into the "promise land" with the one they love.
These lyrics are about the struggle to find one's own identity and to break free from the expectations and constraints of others. They express the fear and uncertainty that can come with taking a leap of faith and following one's heart, but they also celebrate the courage and conviction that it takes to do so. Ultimately, the song is about the transformative power of love, and the hope that it can give us the strength to overcome our fears and find our way to a better life.
Line by Line Meaning
All this time I have followed the rules
For a long time, I have been doing what other people want me to do, instead of living my life on my own terms.
And I've lived the perfect life
I have done everything right, according to society's standards.
Alright
I am okay with the way things are, but I am not truly happy.
By somebody else's standards
I have been living my life based on what others think is right, instead of what I feel is right for me.
All this time I did not feel too bad
I was not unhappy with my life, but I knew that there was more to it than what I was experiencing.
But I was not what you call happy
I was not truly content and fulfilled in my life.
Not really
I was only pretending to be happy and satisfied.
I was searching for something
I was looking for something more meaningful in my life.
And all this time you were standing by
Throughout all the time I was searching, you were always there for me.
And all this time you were waiting
You were patiently waiting for me to realize that I needed you in my life.
All this time I've been living a lie
I have been pretending to be someone I am not, and my life is not as perfect as I have been portraying.
And I even fooled myself completely
I have convinced myself that I am happy with my life, even though deep down, I know I am not.
Now I'm really ready
I am finally prepared to make a change in my life.
Right or wrong
Regardless of whether it is the correct decision or not, I am willing to take a risk.
I will follow your course
I am willing to trust you and follow your lead.
And if you go down I'll drown
If things do not work out, I am willing to suffer the consequences with you.
So save me
I am putting my trust in you to guide me towards a better life.
I'm not as strong as I look yea
Although I may seem confident, I am still vulnerable and in need of help.
All this time I've been saying No
I have been rejecting your help and guidance for a long time.
But all this time I've been meaning
Despite my denials, I have always known that I needed your help in my life.
Yes I'm ready to take your hand
I am finally prepared to let you lead me to a better life.
Follow you into the promise land
I am willing to follow your guidance towards a brighter future.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JOAN ANITA BARBARA ARMATRADING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind