A straightforward, melancholic acoustic piece, the song has been likened by the band musically to Roy Orbison, and lyrically to Joy Division. Its lack of experimentation is probably what made them feel it didn’t fit in with the rest of OK Computer.
I Promise
Radiohead Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promiseTie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
The lyrics to Radiohead's song "I Promise" are a confessional vow made by the singer to commit unreservedly to their significant other. Although there are no specific details provided on what the singer has done or why their partner may want to "lock them out" or "tie them to the rotten deck," it can be inferred that their relationship has seen some turbulence. However, the singer promises to be steadfast and true, even when things get tough. They promise to not run away even when they get bored or when the relationship is on the brink of breaking apart. The line "I say my prayers every night, I promise" is a nod to the singer's commitment to faithfully honoring their promises and seeking guidance in their decisions.
The line "Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise" is particularly poignant, as it communicates the singer's willingness to be tied down in the face of the potentially disastrous state of their relationship. The image of a rotting deck hints at the fragility of the situation and the danger posed by the rough seas. It's possible that the singer is willing to stake everything on their commitment to their partner - even if the odds seem insurmountable.
Overall, "I Promise" is a powerful song that reflects the complex emotions involved in relationships, particularly when they are subject to difficult times. The lyrics imply an earnest desire to stick it out, and some fans have interpreted the song as a reflection of radiohead's own dogged determination to stay true to their artistic vision in the face of commercial pressures.
Line by Line Meaning
I won't run away no more, I promise
I vow to not flee or escape any longer, and I'm making that commitment to you
Even when I get bored, I promise
My boredom will not lead me astray or push me to leave, as I pledge to stay put
Even when you lock me out, I promise
In the event that you shut me out, I give my word to not disappear and instead work to resolve matters
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I'm making a solemn promise to you, and my religious devotion underlines my commitment
I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
I'm not trying to be universally accepted, as I make a statement of loyalty to you
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
I'm devoted even during the difficult times, and am prepared to work through any raucous or solemn discussions
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Despite the occurrence of an unfortunate event, I remain committed to you and refuse to abandon ship
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I ask that I am bound to this situation, even if it isn't ideal, as I will see it through with you
I won't run away no more, I promise
In case there was any doubt, I reiterate my determination to not flee and instead stay dedicated to you
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@angeltellez3303
[Verse 1]
I won't run away no more
I promise
Even when I get bored
I promise
Even when you lock me out
I promise
I say my prayers every night
I promise
[Verse 2]
I know which side I'm spread
I promise
The tantrums and the chitty chats
I promise
[Chorus]
Even when the ship is wrecked
I promise
Tie me to the rotting deck
I promise
[Verse 3]
I won't run away no more
I promise
Even when I get bored
I promise
[Chorus]
Even when the ship is wrecked
I promise
Tie me to the rotting deck
I promise
[Outro]
I won't run away no more
I promise
@Michael-ew5my
I'm 53 ..
No one is home.
I have existential anxiety.
I want everyone to know I love em.
I cannot stop the flow of life.
This is so beautiful that tears won't cease.
Life dangles alot of fruit in endless flower to decay.
This is where I want everyone to exist .
I promise.. Dino Bergamasco
@happiness7141
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
@MrEarth425
Radiohead - I Promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when you lock me out, I promise
I say my prayers every night, I promise
I don't wish that I'm spread, I promise
The tantrums and the chilling chats, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
Even when I get bored, I promise
Even when the ship is wrecked, I promise
Tie me to the rotten deck, I promise
I won't run away no more, I promise
@myfavoritedrime
The video was filmed in Warsaw. I was on a night walk with a dog and this old bus was passing by me ... There were loads of cameras and I wondered what the song would be .... and here the radiohead :)
@xtxpxhx
+
@nous2658
That would make watching this just a little sweeter than normal.
@semagcr
myfavoritedrime mycanal haha it is so cute memory
@justynagrzywacz79
Is there Agata Buzek????Or am I wrong???
@myfavoritedrime
Yes, it's her :)
@DavMasters
I'm 36, I had cancer 12 years ago, went through the most painful treatment a human being can handle, until the blessed day came when they told me I was cured. The thing is, when I was all wounded and down, only band I listened to was Radiohead, specially the OK Computer album, for some reason, this music kept me going, I can't explain it, it's magical. So now that this song comes up, for some reason all that energy of trying to survive a lethal sickness, all the hope that I had, all the love and patience I had to practice, all that came back, and jus like I PROMISED I will survive, I'm now listening to this masterpiece. I was meant to live, now I am married and have a daughter, back then, when I was sick, I didn't even know them, but now I'm grateful I Promised myself I will survive, I promised myself this too will pass. Thank you Radiohead for been there every time I needed you, back then when I survived hell, and now when I enjoy even the little things among my loved ones. Thank you Mr. Yorke.
@friedaschuck7446
DavMasters wordtaking....
@petegend5941
christ... send this to Radiohead themselves, they'll love it
@StrangeAttractor
blimey, that is one of the most moving things I have ever read. What a testament to the power of Radiohead.