In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).
Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:
Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free
The Promise
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
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!!!!!!!!