This track features former Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornel… Read Full Bio ↴This track features former Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell. Slash told Musicradar.com: "Chris was great. Promise was probably the most unorthodox piece of music that I'd written, it was very different. It was one of those things, I don't know why I thought of him for that song more than any of the others, but I sent it to him and within 48 hours he sent me this great lyric and we were off and running. it was as simple as that. Everybody seems to like this one."

Promise
Slash Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The first time I ever saw you
You had that far away look in your eyes
And heaven's eyes shined down upon you
And the whole room filled up with light

Now the cruel world it's gonna try and change you
Try to hang you up and mess with your pride
Now the rich just try to chain you

You got to keep your fire burning inside

Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire
Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire

Now sometimes the world tries to slap you
And it seems to love watching you fall
I won't lie to you, it's gonna happen
You got to pick yourself up and move on

Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire
Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire

Which star will I be thinking of tonight
Tonight
Which star will I be thinking of tonight
Tonight

Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire
Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire

Promise me (Why don't you)
Promise me (Why don't you)

Promise me (Why don't you)
Promise me (Why don't you)

Overall Meaning

The song "Promise" by Slash is a simple and straightforward message of hope and inspiration, urging the listener to hold on to their inner fire and strength in the face of the challenges that life presents. The opening verse sets the tone with a powerful image of the singer witnessing someone with a powerful aura and presence, symbolized by the "faraway look" and the divine light that seems to shine down on them. The song establishes a contrast between this heavenly ideal and the harsh realities of the world, with lines like "the cruel world it's gonna try and change you" and "the rich just try to chain you." The chorus emphasizes the importance of not letting these external pressures extinguish your inner fire, urging the listener to make a promise to hold on to their strength and resilience.

The second verse acknowledges that setbacks and failures are a natural part of life, and that the world can be tough and unforgiving. However, the song encourages the listener not to give up or give in, but to keep fighting and pushing forward. The bridge adds a dreamy, wistful quality to the song, with the singer contemplating the stars and the universe beyond, suggesting that there is more to life than just the struggles and pressures of everyday existence.

Overall, "Promise" is a simple but powerful message of hope and resilience, urging the listener to keep fighting against the odds and never give up on the fiery spark that burns within them.

Line by Line Meaning

The first time I ever saw you
When I saw you for the first time

You had that far away look in your eyes
You seemed lost in thought

And heaven's eyes shined down upon you
You were so beautiful that you seemed to be blessed by the heavens

And the whole room filled up with light
You were so radiant that your beauty filled up the entire room

Now the cruel world it's gonna try and change you
The world can be harsh and will try to alter who you are

Try to hang you up and mess with your pride
It will try to bring you down and attack your self-worth

Now the rich just try to chain you
The wealthy might attempt to control you

You got to keep your fire burning inside
You need to maintain your passion and drive

Promise me
Pledge to me

You won't let them put out your fire
That you won't allow them to extinguish your flame

Put out your fire

Now sometimes the world tries to slap you
Sometimes the world delivers a harsh blow

And it seems to love watching you fall
It often appears to take pleasure in your struggles

I won't lie to you, it's gonna happen
I won't sugarcoat it, more bad things will happen

You got to pick yourself up and move on
You must find the will to keep going

Which star will I be thinking of tonight
I wonder which celestial body I will ponder about

Promise me
Pledge to me

You won't let them put out your fire
That you won't allow them to extinguish your flame

Put out your fire

Promise me (Why don't you)
Pledge to me (Why don't you)

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS CORNELL, SAUL HUDSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@patking2592

5y↑15

To be honest
I still struggle with Chris being gone.

I was at his 2nd to last show in KC and he was so alive and iconic without any effort at all.

I posted on social media after the show, " You have not lived until you have heard Chris sing in an amphitheater" and then he was gone.

He helped me so much with his lyrics and delivery I would have helped him anyway possible.

Miss you Chris, RIP my friend...

@felipecoutinho_

9y↑118

Slash...
Promise
The first time I ever saw you
You had that far away look in your eyes
And heaven's eyes shined down upon you
And the whole room filled up with light

Now the cruel world it's gonna try and change you
Try to hang you up and mess with your pride
Now the rich just try to chain you (?)
You got to keep your fire burning inside

Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire
Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire

Now sometimes the world tries to slap you
And it seems to love watching you fall
I wont lie to you, it's gonna happen
You got to pick yourself up and move on

Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire
Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire

Which star will I be thinking of tonight
Tonight
Which star will I be thinking of tonight
Tonight

Promise me
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire
You won't let them put out your fire
Put out your fire

Promise me
(Why don't you)
Promise me
(Why don't you)
Promise me
(Why don't you)
Promise me
(Why don't you)

All comments from YouTube:

@darix.f.6677

3y↑158

I used to listen this song without knowing that it was Chris. I just only focused in Slash for years and I regret for that. Sorry, Chris. I miss you. Thanks for participate in one of my favorite songs all time.

@jarrodparkinson9399

2y↑1

Brother I 100% feel ya there 😅

@grungefan1009

2y↑1

Regardless, he's happy knowing that it reached you!

@afaceinthecrowd1983

1y↑1

Nothing against Slash, he did great, however, CC’s vocals and soul is what made this song have the tingling goosebumps affect;) I promise you that, no pun intended. ❤

@myuzu_

1y↑1

@@afaceinthecrowd1983 that's funny because I think that the chords and melody set up that tingly feeling. The whole song is brilliant

@afaceinthecrowd1983

@@myuzu_ 👍🏻😊

@beyzadeveli8146

2y↑92

I can't even describe how much i love this song. The riffs, the lyrics.. It gives you some sort of hope. Whenever i listen to this song i start to think like " maybe i can change my life and get through this hard times...

@davidlunaar

2y↑1

I thought I‘m the only one LOL exact same feelings - love it so much 🫶🏼

@dogupekcan

50w

aynen

@jasonabston4171

39w

GREAT TUNE!
SLASH AND CORNELL SOUND LIKE THEY HAD DONE IT B4!!!!
WISH WE COULD HAVE HAD MORE OF THEM DOING THEIR THING!

RIP BROTHER!?…
BLOW UP THE OUTSIDE

@gapikordez5200

10y↑434

It's a song that isn't known... But it's just so awesome and it needs some more popularity!

@Fernand07777

7y↑40

It's not popular because it's unlocked when you reach the "awesome taste in music" status.

@wolfancap6897

7y↑9

Chill dude, he just made a joke about the fact that this song is only popular for those who like either Chris Cornell or Slash. And if you like one of them, you have an "awesome taste in music"

@seaurchinx3001

7y↑6

Oh my lord all of you go chill. have a beer.

@zakkmucci5509

7y↑11

Wuluf no, it's called personal opinions. People need to realize that. It is a very underrated song, as many good songs are these days. Long live rock n roll. This song rocks.

@alexxblade4034

4y↑3

Dude, I never knew about this, but I'm glad I found it because I've been listening to this nonstop! I fucking love this so much!

7 More Replies...

@jenniferprandi6441

7y↑144

got married 2 months ago and this was our entrance song...Chris,forever you will be alive in our hearts and memories..rock on from up there 🤘

@brownjovi

4y↑5

What a great song for that. The song is about a life event. Makes sense to have it play during such a beautiful life event. :) i performed this song live. Its on my channel. I love that i can sing like Chris.

@xhobixhoba9033

4y↑1

Yeahhhhhh girl!!!!!

@xhobixhoba9033

4y↑3

@@brownjovi especially since marriage is two person coming together to face slife and keep they're "fire" lit. Also it's so bad ass!

@jm_hav

7y↑726

R.I.P Chris.. Gone way too soon :(

@rodrigoanibalmardonespuent6498

7y↑9

James Lowndes still can't believe it..

@mountainfrost1272

7y↑2

James Lowndes we still have Eddie Vedder. Dont we?

@TheAlphaMale2271

7y↑16

the man had a classic set of pipes, the soul coursing them will be greatly missed. Raising a glass to you now Chris, your fire will never be put out.

@mrpugilest9252

7y↑12

He was the highway

@jacquelynwhittaker1536

6 More Replies...

@minecraftoutrage

5y↑4

Chris and Slash??? Am I dreaming right now????

@OfficialRyanOP

25w↑1

Chris Cornell + Slash = 🔥

@OmnipresentPlatipus

1y↑13

I discovered this song 10 years ago. I was 14. Now, the lyrics hit harder and I understand it all. Thank you Chris and Slash. I promise you, I'm not letting them put out my fire.

@anissa-joneal5277

40w↑3

Oh we used to play this album on repeat….
Then I’d have a cd in my truck after midnight shift with this blasting. I’m 55 yrs old now and all I’ve gone through this cut means: it’s still my anthem

@accesosinmobiliarios7557

45w↑8

One of the must underated masterpieces in rock history.

@theidn

15w↑2

Slash n Cornell need to have a band together imho. RIP Chris

@phil1268

7y↑65

RIP Chris. This song got me through some tough times. I owe you one.

@davidlunaar

2y↑1

You‘re not alone brother!

@DiriSaya-db1od

4w↑2

This song makes me feel alive from myself inside

@patking2592

5y↑15

@RobbieM5290

5y↑1

Pat King 😩😭🙏🏻

@ZiddersRooFurry

5y↑5

Depression is a monster. When you're in its grips and suicidal it's eating you alive. It's like being held underwater with a giant weight on your chest. Sometimes you manage to swim to the surface but sometimes people can't shake that weight. It robs you of your free will. A lot of people don't understand and it is really, really hard to understand if you're not going through it or haven't been but sometimes there's nothing you can do to help. The only thing you can do is be as kind to yourself as you can be and be kind, compassionate, accepting and loving towards others. You might not be able to help everyone but if this world becomes a kinder place it will help people with depression so much more.

If you want to do something to honor Chris and help others look into ways you can support research into mental health and illness and advocate for for better mental health programs in your area. That and do your best to let those around you who are struggling with mental illness know that you'll be there for them as best you can and that they are worth kindness.

@lmcurtis7022

5y↑1

"And then he was gone." 💔

@georgebushnell4342

4y↑2

I was there too, I was asking my wife on way out after " Do you think they ever get tired of singing the same songs over and over?" Couple days later he was gone, over 2 years later and I'm still mourning the loss.

@samanthaascani1496

7y↑210

Promise me you won't let them put out your fire.
Goodbye Chris

@brownjovi

4y↑1

I cant believe hes gone. I love being able sing like him. I covered this song on my channel.

@dukabear2640

@@brownjovi Well done you

@greendayish1

I promise. RIP Cornell

@kaiomoreira2554

Saudações do Brasil

@zakkmucci5509

7y↑26

This entire album was kickass. He's been releasing some awesome tunes the past 5 years or so. RIP Chris Cornell, you beautiful legend you. Your voice will be missed, dearly.

@angeloafrica7477

3y↑28

I dedicate this song to myself. Kudos to these awesome artists and RIP Chris.

@kirkangell9299

7y↑109

I would kill for a "lost" Chris Cornell/Slash album. This tune is sooooo good!

@brownjovi

4y↑2

Id kill to see a documentary about the making of this album. I performed this song live. Video is on my channel. I love being able to sing like Chris.

@xhobixhoba9033

We'd be two now that you mention it!

@brandenmducharme

3y↑2

@@brownjovi there actually is one! I have a Japanese release of this album with a documentary about the making of the album. Haven't watched it yet.

@blacklavoux

8y↑104

I fucking love this song

@thomastierney1532

3y↑12

One of the best albums to come out in the last 20 yrs .n I love that it's under the radar ,true slash fans know .✌️🎸🍻

@whoknowswhodoesnt

39w↑1

Let's not forget that we're all created in the image of God.

@butchcassidy3373

3y↑7

I miss Chris so much.
Still can't believe he's gone
I only got to see him once and I'm thankful for that, but man we lost one of a kind.
Say hello to heaven for me Chris. I'll see you one day.

@sheetmetaljesus

8y↑85

Chris Cornell, one of my fav singers since 1984!!!!!

@mountainfrost1272

7y↑27

sheetmetaljesus then Im sorry for our loss, dude.

@bjustertjuster9686

mine since 1994, I was only 5years old ;p

@skreb9566

10y↑12

every fuckin' song from this fuckin' album is fuckin' great! SLASH IS GOD

@rhinehart_

7y↑61

Rest in Peace, Chris Cornell.

Godlike voice.

@user-mm3vv5he9f

1y↑3

he's got that unique voice tone at high notes thay makes you feel like being comfortably surrounded by gray clouds

@kirbymjk71

15w↑1

My favorite song on this album

@nick_decastro

7y↑27

I remember hearing this song years ago when I bought the cd, and thinking "damn, this doesnt sound like typical Chris Cornell stuff".... but the more you listen to it, the more you appreciate it...that fuckin voice... that guitar groove.... I've got chills! R.I.P. Chris!

@charlesnogueirasilva

3y↑15

Cornell, melhor vocal do mundo! 🇧🇷

@needyourbody

13y↑10

This song needs more recognition, it's just too good!

@raulmars

2y↑24

Esta canción siempre me ha encantado desde que salió el álbum, siempre me pone en el mismo mood, gracias Chris por esta genialidad.

@accesosinmobiliarios7557

45w↑1

Gracias Chris Cornel por tanto. Siempre recordado y jamás olvidado CC

@attilahirschin666

31w↑1

gets better every time

@Confession23

2y↑1

Heaven s literally in that vibration

@nadialexa

7y↑27

I was 15 years old and the biggest fan of this song. 2010 had the days ♥

@ohhBarsa

Isabella Oriol me too

@nickgramuglia6437

Literally same here, feels like a life time ago

@fredharker7964

2y↑6

The whole album is very good. Chris had a really great distinguish voice

@ximenaromero2382

24w↑7

Esta canción significa mucho para mí, llegó a mi vida justo en el momento en que la necesitaba.

@felipecoutinho_

9y↑118

@lsipahelut

4y↑4

This could be very well a song Chris wrote about and for himself.

@UnbrokeSpirit

17w

@@lsipahelutexcept he wasn't a narcissist and wrote a lot from others perspective, but hey believe what your told.

@lsipahelut

17w↑1

@@UnbrokeSpiritHey, stop putting words in my mouth. Chill.

@UnbrokeSpirit

17w

@@lsipahelut you said it could be a song he wrote about himself, many people, believe he committed suicide because that's what they were told, if you are one of those people, then by writing about it in the comments, you actually extracted the words that you said from your own mouth. You did say could. Though.

@lsipahelut

17w↑1

@@UnbrokeSpiritI don't think the song is about suicide at all. If it is, I didn't know.

2 More Replies...

@ChaseCharaba

7y↑16

RIP. Such an underrated song...

@sneqniizver

2w↑1

Несмотря на то, что Крис давно умер , его песни до сих пор мотивируют меня и многих других на то, чтобы жить. Настоящая легенда, а его Black Hole Sun, Like a Stone, Be Yourself, You Know My Name, Live to Rise, Nearly Forgot My Broken Heart, Promise и The Promise - навсегда тут ❤

@antemorph66

3y↑1

Oh chris we do miss you

@lukesmith720

7y↑20

I can't believe this just happened. Chris Cornell just died yesterday at 52. Lemmy, Scott Weilland, David Bowie, and now Chris Cornell? RIP Chris. :'(

@MarcyAvila

7y↑143

Rip Chris.

@brodrea7664

Marcel Avila🔥 I subbed to you

@usuariodegooglegoogle2316

Marcel Avila🔥

@Rivan98

Que haces por aqui?

@user-kx3fc4vr9g

Yeah:(

@davidfrazier2273

47w↑1

RIP LEGEND keep shredding slash

@aaronbosel5599

2y↑2

Just randomly put the names of my two favourite artists together and found this.... awesome song 🤙

@TheMusicfan189

7y↑38

First song I thought of when I heard, R.I.P Chris, what a voice.

@dogankaplan5231

5y↑1

Best Song of that Album

@ihanoeman

49w↑2

Just when I thought I’ve listened everything from Chris.. 🥲 What a gem! ♥️

@fortrud

2y↑2

this song makes me feel so many emotions. it’s just perfect. Slash’s guitar tone, Chris’s voice, and the solo just make this my favorite Slash song. Among all the myles kennedy, velvet and snakepit stuff he’s done, this one truly just tops it off for me.

@cmasc966

7y↑3

RIP Chris Cornell, When I first heard this song I knew Chris and Slash would have made an amazing team.

@lucatrex1254

5y↑17

Descansa en paz chris todos te llevamos en el corazon ❤

@sjgoode6590

2y↑2

Love and miss you Chris Cornell! ❤️ RIP

@brendagonzalez4178

7y↑5

Great vocalist who will be truly missed 😓 Rest In Peace Chris Cornell 💕

@fxluna486

2y↑1

I really miss you, Chris.
Rest in peace.

@epickagraczka4841

2y↑2

this song is everything to me

@shawnmorgan3001

4y↑5

Chris Cornell sounds so awesome to hear.

@brownjovi

I hope you can check out my live tribute to Chris Cornell LIVE https://youtu.be/VXtI7IXllhw

@rockone1966

6y↑4

So glad I can listen to this song ....really like it alot and I don't care what anyone says Chris was the most amazing singer to hit the highest notes and still sound awesome ....one of the most unique singers of our time slash of course is one of the best as well. Thankful for this song!!!!

@amandawilson9555

4y↑3

💜

@brownjovi

Amanda, I hope you can check out my live tribute to Chris Cornell LIVE https://youtu.be/VXtI7IXllhw

@lisahales8791

29w↑1

Luv, luv this🎶🎵❤️

@tiagoooukuhj55

8y↑7

The Perfect Song

@brownjovi

7y↑4

Best thing either of them has done in my opinion. love this song.

@Capirotinho

He dead :(

@mitarjo983

2y↑1

Best vocal ever and one of greatest guitarists of all time. How could we ask for more?

@amydavis395

7y↑10

This song got me through a tough time...I will never forget it ever and probably listen to it every day now 😣💛 rest in peace Chris thank you for everything you brought to this world and my life 🌅

@UncleJimTV

3y↑1

i love that the songs style in the album are based on the featuring singers style of singing.

@sarahdaoud4533

3y↑2

Very underrated song!!! ❤️❤️❤️

@prometheuspredator7971

7y↑1

Awesome song!!! Can't get any better than Chris Cornell and Slash. Wish they did an album together. How awesome that would be.

@mguzman95

7y↑6

This album is one of my favorite debut albums...This song is a big reason why...I'm not just saying that because Chris passed away

@joveen_gomez

7y↑13

RIP Chris Cornell.

@seanyiscubsfan1

9y↑9

Two of my favorite rock artists coming together this track is simply awesome. I got to see Slash back in September 2012 in Chicago but I have yet to see Soundgarden hopefully that will change

@SleptOnTheCouch

7y↑1

@maggieskidmore2740

7y↑1

seanyiscubsfan1 ï

@JaviyPilar

4y↑1

Absolutely underrated song. I miss you, Chris

@brownjovi

I hope you can check out my live tribute to Chris Cornell LIVE https://youtu.be/VXtI7IXllhw

@LouieKayy

7y↑1

This song is one of my favourite Cornell performances. To think the world lost such a wonderful, talented man blessed with one of the most gorgeous, powerful voices ever heard in the history of music. Rest in peace! :'(

@000Skill

4y↑1

Long gone sir chris you will always be missed.💓

@kieranzaj3103

7y↑5

RIP CHRIS THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL SONGS

@carolinedearaujo1522

Love this song ... This voice 💜

@seatlescene

6y↑2

What a song still shocked that Chris is gone, R.I.P Chris...

@breandanoconghaile8600

4y↑1

2 legends!

@tonyburchette6710

4y↑1

That voice. All heart

@brownjovi

Love his voice... I hope you can check out my live tribute to Chris Cornell LIVE https://youtu.be/VXtI7IXllhw

@leandromenezesnascimento2525

3y↑7

Uma voz, um timbre inesquecível de Chris Cornell em mais uma bela canção....curti demais essa música!

@camilugmaniab.1959

8y↑9

This is great!

@libreindonesianus4108

7y↑12

I won't promise, but i'll try. Rest in peace, cool dude.

@1GN.7

4y↑20

Essa música é muito foda !!!🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷

@lucianocaracciolo399

You put out your own fire Chris, we miss you

@alanrobert3098

7y↑4

Love this song.
RIP Chris

@emmastockton2638

7y↑1

An inspiration to so many, a muse and a talented gentleman, gone far to soon. Rock in peace Mr cornell x

@lesleycurtis5914

this song is so Underated and ironic as now we are lost, without Chris Cornell... yet this song today Chris on your bday anniversary.. inspires me to keep going, doing what I'm doing .. when i've been at the lowest point of suicide myself. legends never die xxxx

@vickodrums

This song is amazing

@midnightrocker5637

Love this song!

@alexanderrowe790

11y

Agreed! This song can give you a whole new outlook

@channeloffish5715

Incredible

@nikkileverdier1957

Cracking album love Chris Cornell's vocals on this

@joangdemkoatgmail

WOW I love this!!!!!!

@AchiilezTheOne

12y

such a good chorus

@browneyesgirl1

11y↑1

CHRIS VOICE!!! AMAZING!!!

@allthegoodonesarealreadytaken

11y

Wow.. This has been.. eye-opening for me..

@guilhermealmeida5003

Rip Chris, I'll never forget you and your terrific voice!!!

@godmademefunky95

12y

i was so hyped to here my two favourite musicians write a song together

@irishRocker1

11y↑1

Best song on the album! Awesome!

@anagora8032

2y↑1

Sublime con una letra que llega al alma

@christar9527

6y↑1

2 of the very top musicians together. Love these guys!

@fabioparrella8981

Amazing

@kjellnet2301

7y↑1

I Promise you, Chris...
Thank you for your beautiful music
We love you
Rest in Peace

@tomaszavadil3773

7y↑2

I love this song

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