The Promise
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics


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You gave me back my soul again by showin' me
The laughter and the wonder in your eyes
Saved me from the shuttered man I used to be
Opened up the windows of my life

And the happiness you've given me for lovin' you
Is sweeter love and deeper every day
I can't stop the changes that you're growin' through
Or someone new from stealin' you away

Chorus:
So darlin' when it's time you can spread your wings
And I'll set you free - to fly away - and it's ok
Cause darlin' time changes everything
But it won't change me
I love you - oh... I love you

Inside of me you'll always be my valentine
I pray your freedom makes your dreams come through
As long as there's a heartbeat in this soul of mine
You'll know there's someone so in love with you

Chorus:
So darlin' when it's time you can spread your wings
And I'll set you free - to fly away - and it's ok
Cause darlin' time changes everything




But it won't change me
I love you - oh... I love you

Overall Meaning

In Kris Kristofferson's song The Promise, the lyrics express the theme of love and the fear of losing it. The song is essentially a love letter to Kristofferson's significant other, thanking her for bringing joy and happiness back into his life. The first verse describes how the singer's partner has helped him rediscover his humanity, bringing "laughter and wonder" back into his world and "opening up the windows of his life." Through this imagery, Kristofferson is implying that his partner has brought back the light and warmth into his world, which had previously been dark and dampened.


The lyrics of the chorus are the most emotionally poignant, as Kristofferson declares that he will let his partner fly away when the time comes. He acknowledges that people change and that love sometimes fades, but he reassures his loved one that he will always love her, "no matter how much time passes." The singer accepts the inevitability of change and the uncertainty of the future, but he declares that nothing can change his love for his partner. In the final verse, Kristofferson repeats his declaration of love and tells his significant other that she will always be his valentine. He hopes that her freedom will enable her to achieve her dreams, but he reassures her once again that his love will remain steadfast.


Line by Line Meaning

You gave me back my soul again by showin' me
You helped me rediscover my vitality and spirit by revealing to me


The laughter and the wonder in your eyes
The joy and curiosity in your eyes


Saved me from the shuttered man I used to be
You freed me from the isolated and withdrawn person I used to be


Opened up the windows of my life
You allowed me to experience life more fully


And the happiness you've given me for lovin' you
The joy you have brought me by being loved by you


Is sweeter love and deeper every day
My love for you grows sweeter and deeper each day


I can't stop the changes that you're growin' through
I cannot prevent the changes and growth you experience


Or someone new from stealin' you away
Or someone else from taking you from me


So darlin' when it's time you can spread your wings
So my love, when it's time for you to leave and explore other opportunities


And I'll set you free - to fly away - and it's ok
I will release you, and it's alright


Cause darlin' time changes everything
Because time has a way of altering everything


But it won't change me
But it will not change the depth of my love for you


I love you - oh... I love you
I am in love with you, deeply and truly


Inside of me you'll always be my valentine
You will always remain my beloved, cherished person inside my heart


I pray your freedom makes your dreams come through
I hope you find success and fulfillment as you pursue your freedom and independence


As long as there's a heartbeat in this soul of mine
As long as I am alive


You'll know there's someone so in love with you
You can be certain that someone loves you deeply




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RANDY NEWMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Bills Studio

I have listened to Kris Kristofferson for many years, there's something about his voice in the stories in his songs that's just moves you, I sing some of his songs and I just love singing them, thanks Kris for all the songs that you have given us🎸💌

Marial Iglesias

I just cannot explain..seems like his songs pierces my heart everytime. He sings with his heart.

Emma Feix Alberts

I am awed every time I hear his words. He is one of the greatest poets of my generation. I saw him in person a few years ago. I sat alone in the theatre and mouthed the words to every song. He stood alone on the stage and sang for 2 hours with just his guitar and harmonica. He doesn't need back-up singers or musicians. Kris is a gift we have been given for our borrowed moment of time.

Josephine McGowan

So true

Karen Hall-Gist

I just saw Kris in Kansas City a week ago yesterday. Still love him!

laura Johnson

an amazing comment...well said <3

cracked black pepper and rock salt

Emma Feix Alberts It's kinda sad how life has rook it's toll on him. Although even at 50-60 he looked he was in his 40s. So I'd say life has been good to him especially after having smoked and drank good part of his life. he's def lived his life and I think there's that little some about him tgat separates him from the rest.

Betina Bengtsen

I watched Kris play this amazing song on Roskilde Festival this summer. All alone on the Orange Stage, his charisma and beautiful songs was enough to make it my Roskilde Moment of 2013. This is a man who doesn't need backtracking, lightshows, dancers og any of that. His music is that great. I don't think I was the only one who shed a tear...

cracked black pepper and rock salt

kris kristofferson is the coolest guy ever. legend. he just keeps getting cooler as he gets older

Sharon Brown

I love all your tunes,you have remarkable talent!!!!!!!!

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