Reilly was born in Glasgow. Her early career included singing with the Scottish Jazz Funk band Cado Belle. In 1992, she issued her debut solo album "Echoes", from which the singles "Everytime We Touch", "Tears in the Rain" and "Wait" were the most successful ones, followed by "Midnight Sun" in 1993, "Elena" in 1996, "Starcrossed" in 2000, "Save it for a Rainy Day" in 2003 and "Rowan" in 2006.
In 2006, a Eurodance-styled cover of Maggie's "Every time We Touch" by the German trio Cascada became a world-wide hit.
She has also worked with many others including Mike Batt (on his "The Hunting of the Snark" album), Jack Bruce, Dave Greenfield & Jan-Jacques Burnel, Lesiëm, Ralph McTell, Simon Nicol (of Fairport Convention), Runrig, The Sisters of Mercy and Smokie.
Promises
Maggie Reilly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Lies and broken promises, oh why did I believe
Treated me so badly, treated me so cruel
How could you betray me, take me for a fool
Promises, your promises, oh vain and foolish me
You tricked me with your promises, so blind I could not see
How could you beguile me, when I needed you
Always
Always
Promises, your promises, a trail of broken dreams
All your lies and promises were never what they seemed
Treated me so badly, treated me so cruel
How could you betray me, take me for a fool
Always
Always
Always
Always
Always
Always
Always - you broke my heart and threw away
Always - the love I gave you every day
Always - there's nothing left that I can say
Always - look after number one
Always - you broke my heart and set me free
Always - oh how you lied and cheated me
Always - so now I know how things must be
Always - look after number one
Always - you broke my heart and threw away
Always - this love I gave you every day
Always - there's nothing left for me to say
Always - look after number one
In Maggie Reilly's song Promises, the lyrics express the pain and heartbreak that comes from broken promises in a relationship. The song talks about how the promises that were once seen as a gift, ended up being nothing but lies and deception. The verse, "Promises, your promises, a gift you gave to me, Lies and broken promises, oh why did I believe" depicts the hurt that comes from being lied to by someone who once meant so much. The chorus cries out "Always, Always" as a reminder of the constant pain inflicted by the broken promises.
The lyrics also highlight the personal betrayal that comes with being deceived by a loved one. Reilly reminds the listener of the cruelty endured, "Treated me so badly, treated me so cruel, How could you betray me, take me for a fool". The concept of blind trust is also explored in the lyrics, "You tricked me with your promises, so blind I could not see, How could you beguile me when I needed you". The song ends with the realization that the only way to move on is to put oneself first, "Always - look after number one".
Overall, Promises is a song about heartbreak, betrayal and learning to let go of someone who was never going to keep their promises.
Line by Line Meaning
Promises, your promises, a gift you gave to me
You made promises to me, which I accepted as a gift.
Lies and broken promises, oh why did I believe
You lied to me and didn't keep your word, and now I regret believing you.
Treated me so badly, treated me so cruel
You treated me terribly and acted heartlessly toward me.
How could you betray me, take me for a fool
I trusted you, but you betrayed me and took advantage of me.
Promises, your promises, oh vain and foolish me
I now see that my faith in your promises was foolish and unwarranted.
You tricked me with your promises, so blind I could not see
Your promises were a deception that I couldn't see through.
How could you beguile me, when I needed you
You took advantage of me when I was vulnerable and in need.
Surely I have been deceived, when I thought you true
I realize now that I was deceived when I thought you were being sincere.
Promises, your promises, a trail of broken dreams
Your promises have turned into a trail of failed hopes and dreams.
All your lies and promises were never what they seemed
Your lies and promises were never truthful or sincere.
Always - you broke my heart and threw away
You always broke my heart and threw away our relationship.
Always - the love I gave you every day
Even though I loved you every day, you disregarded my feelings.
Always - there's nothing left that I can say
There's nothing more I can say about the hurt you've caused me.
Always - look after number one
You only care about yourself and your own interests.
Always - oh how you lied and cheated me
You always lied and cheated me, causing me endless pain.
Always - so now I know how things must be
I now understand that things must be a certain way, and it's over between us.
Always - you broke my heart and set me free
You broke my heart and set me free from the emotional burden of loving you.
Always - this love I gave you every day
I gave you love every day, but you didn't appreciate it or reciprocate.
Always - there's nothing left for me to say
There's nothing more I can say, except that I'm moving on.
Contributed by Aiden D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
CChurchFan
Only 7 thumbs up!? I really really love this song. It's one of my absolutely favourites by Maggie Reilly Thank you very much for uploading it :-)
interpreteurlawyer
She has an angel's voice.....
jaja a paja
Wonderful song
LadyAmarantine
lovely one, Maggie. :) thank you.
Susana Blasco GomeZ
me gusta mucho maggi rilli y mike oldfield
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