Promises
Outline in Color Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As you pull me closer
Baby, please don't cry
Isn't this what you had hoped for
Sorry to say that we can't just go back
Pretend like you tried
and We'll leave it at that
Wouldn't you hate to admit that you did this to yourself
And you're throwing away happiness with both hands
Just blame it on miles
But you knew all the while
Don't tell me that it's better off this way
And you started to say the words you run to so quickly
Can you make me believe that I shouldn't leave
These lights reveal your face so differently
So make promises that we both know you wont keep
Leave it to me to believe in your eyes
I'm calling you out on your only regret
More like regret is calling you
My dear in the headlights so cold and alone
And you're throwing away happiness with both hands
Just blame it on miles
But you knew all the while
Don't tell me that it's better off this way
And you started to say the words you run to so quickly
Can you make me believe that I shouldn't leave
These lights reveal your face so differently
And she whispers in my ear
"Promise me when you're not here, promise to never let me go"
And you're throwing away happiness with both hands
Just blame it on miles
But you knew all the while
Don't tell me that it's better off this way
And you started to say the words you run to so quickly
Can you make me believe that I shouldn't leave
These lights reveal your face so differently
On a summer night
As you pull me closer
Baby, please don't cry
Isn't this what you had hoped for
The song "Promises" by Outline in Color touches on the struggle of a relationship that has lost its spark. The lyrics describe being pulled closer on a summer night and being asked not to cry, highlighting the cognitive dissonance of a relationship that is not working but has moments of intimacy. The singer then speaks to their partner, telling them they cannot pretend like they tried and that the end is near. The chorus repeats the idea of throwing away happiness, suggesting that the individual is sabotaging their own chance at a fulfilling relationship. The song then ends with the partner asking the singer to promise they will never let them go, leaving the audience to wonder if this cycle is doomed to repeat.
The lyrics in "Promises" suggest a relationship that has lost its passion and intimacy. The lines "Just blame it on miles / But you knew all the while" suggest that the partner is using distance as an excuse for the crumbling relationship, but the singer knows that the problems run deeper. The chorus embraces this concept of self-sabotage, saying "you're throwing away happiness with both hands," implying that the partner is willfully damaging the relationship.
The song ends with a request from the partner to "never let me go." This contrasts with the skepticism of the singer, who calls the partner out on their tendency to break promises. The song leaves the listener wondering if the partner will change and if the singer will stay or go.
Line by Line Meaning
On a summer night
Setting the scene for the story, this line alludes to a night that is traditionally thought of as romantic.
As you pull me closer
Physical intimacy is imminent, and the singer is approaching a pivotal moment with their partner.
Baby, please don't cry
The singer is pleading with their partner not to become emotional, as this moment is supposed to be happy and joyful.
Isn't this what you had hoped for
The artist is questioning whether their partner is actually happy with the situation, as the lyrics suggest that there may be some underlying issues.
Sorry to say that we can't just go back
The artist is acknowledging that there are problems in the relationship that cannot simply be brushed aside or ignored.
Pretend like you tried
The singer is telling their partner that they cannot simply pretend to be invested in the relationship; they must actually put in the effort to make it work.
and We'll leave it at that
The singer is suggesting that they are willing to move on from this conversation once their partner has agreed to try harder in the relationship.
Wouldn't you hate to admit that you did this to yourself
The artist is implying that their partner is at fault for some of the problems in the relationship and is trying to get them to admit it.
And you're throwing away happiness with both hands
The artist is suggesting that their partner is actively sabotaging their own happiness with their actions.
Just blame it on miles
The artist is calling out their partner for using distance as an excuse for their behavior.
But you knew all the while
The singer is suggesting that their partner knew that their behavior was wrong, but did it anyway.
Don't tell me that it's better off this way
The artist is refusing to accept their partner's reasoning for why things in the relationship are the way they are.
And you started to say the words you run to so quickly
The singer is calling out their partner for using cliches and empty promises to try and make things better.
Can you make me believe that I shouldn't leave
The singer is asking their partner to convince them to stay in the relationship and make things work.
These lights reveal your face so differently
The singer is suggesting that in a different light, their partner's true intentions and emotions are revealed.
So make promises that we both know you wont keep
The artist is tired of their partner making promises that they have no intention of keeping and wants them to stop.
Leave it to me to believe in your eyes
The artist is calling out their partner for trying to manipulate them with their words and actions.
I'm calling you out on your only regret
The singer is accusing their partner of having only one regret: their behavior in the relationship.
More like regret is calling you
The singer is suggesting that their partner is feeling the negative consequences of their behavior in the relationship.
My dear in the headlights so cold and alone
The artist is using a metaphor to describe their partner as someone who is frozen and isolated, unable to move forward.
And she whispers in my ear
The artist is shifting the focus of the song to a new character: a female who is speaking to them.
"Promise me when you're not here, promise to never let me go"
The female character is pleading with the artist to make a promise to her, one that he will never abandon her.
Contributed by Andrew B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Aloha Karma
Still one of my favorites. The nostalgia.. January 4, 2021 will be the 10th anniversary that I’ve been listening to you guys!
thekimbrothers
This is truly a beautiful song. I closed my eyes and just listened to the lyrics, and this song, and band, found a new place in my heart. Thank you for uploading this.
UKdrum1
Outline in Color is seriously one of the best new bands I have heard in a while. Keep it up guys!
aly griffin
This band is great, this song is great, the lyrics are great can I cry
Dwi Putri
This song has great lyrics its just sad how this song so underrated
Dog lover
how can these guys not get big!? its a shame. theyre badass..
Noro Sama
I love this song, it's absolutely amazing :'(
uh no
Love this band! Me and my friend got to hang out with the singer before a concert before the last Mosh the Halls at The Marquee (we had no idea who he or this band was before then) and the guy's hilarious! And their Bad Romance >>>>> Artist Vs. Poet's! Can't wait for their album!
DannyDevious
I used to listen to this all the time in high school and it randomly popped into my mind recently after not hearing it for years. Very good song, I need to relearn it on guitar :)
Dioxide Music
i remember when i used to listen to this song when it had 5 000 likes on it. Still my favourite acoustic song ever.