Jan Leyers had previous experience in the rock group Beri-Beri, while Paul had experience in the British-Belgian rock group Octopus and as a solo artist.
The group formed in 1986 after Jan and Paul met each other in Paul's hometown of Heist-op-den-Berg (Jan, for his part, is a native of Wilrijk). They debuted that year under the name the Soul Sisters with a single titled "You Get to Me." Later on, they also release the singles "Talk About It" and "Like a Mountain." They had a huge hit with "The Way To Your Heart", a Motown-sounding song which even made the lower reaches of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States while also achieving success in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. In 1988, the group changed its name to SoulSister and their first official album, "It Takes Two," was released, with Paul on the keyboards and Jan on the guitar, with various men on back-up. EMI signs the deal and publishes the album.
In 1990, the two gentlemen underwent another change in name, this time to Leyers, Michiels, and SoulSister. Later that same year, they release Heat, which includes hit singles "Through Before We Started," "Sweet Dreamer," and "Well Well Well." Some of the songs on the album allowed Jan Leyers, who was admittedly more into rock music than soul, show off his skills on the electric guitar.
The group started a triple run in 1992. That year, they released the album Simple Rule, which included a hit title track, as well as "Broken" and "Ain't That Simple." The following year, in 1993, the group released a live album, Live Savings. In the meantime, Jan is asked to co-write "That's As Close as I Get To...", a song that is sung by American country singer Aaron Tippin.
In 1994, the group begins its final chapter with the album "Swinging Like Big Dogs." Popular tracks off of this album are "Wild Love Affair," "If This is Love," "Tell Me What it Takes," and "I Need Some Time." By this time, the group has gone back to being known simply as SoulSister.
In 1995, SoulSister split. Two years later, EMI releases a "Very Best Of" compilation album. Meanwhile, both men go their separate ways. Paul Michiels goes solo and performs the same soulful, Motown-sounding music that made SoulSister a success, while Jan Leyers joins with Filip Cauwelier and Joost Van den Broek to play hard rock music as the band My Velma (named after a character in the Raymond Chandler novel Farewell, My Lovely).
Jan and Paul teamed up again in 2000 to record individual songs for the Jan Verheyen movie Team Spirit. Jan performed a track titled "Only Your Love Will Do" while Paul recorded a piece titled "Shine Your Light on Me."
In 2007 the news was announced Soulsister will reunite for a special concert in 2008. They will play the Sports Palace in Antwerp on March 1. Exactly 20 years after the release of their first album, and 12 years after their split.
Promises
Soulsister Lyrics
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Hancham kkumkkwowatdeon maeiri naege chajawado seolmyeonghal su eomneun apeumi onmome peojyeo
Gakkeumssigeun na honja itgo sipgo cham manheun siseoni jom himgyeowo
Pyeongbeomhan ilsang soge jamgyeoseo sumswigo sipeul ttae
"what about us? What about love?"
Nal ireukyeojuneun i hanmadi
Hwaryeohan jomyeongi kkeojimyeon haruga kkeutnago chyeojin eokkae sok teong bin i mam. Eojjeol su eobtjyo
Kkok sumgyeodun nae mam dudeurineyo kkamkkamhan sigan sok gijeokcheoreom
Bicheuro nal hwanhi barkhyeojwoyo geudae tto dasi
"what about us? What about love?"
Nal ireukyeojuneun i hanmadi
Geudae pume aneun chaero ttaseuhage gamssa juneyo
Hangeoreumman deo gakkai jogeumman deo ttatteutage
Uri duri hamkkerago songarak geolgo promise to you
Danji gomapdaneun mallo dahal sun eopgetjiman
igeotmaneun gieokhaeyo
"what about us? What about love?"
Nal ireukyeojuneun i hanmadi
Geudae pume aneun chaero ttaseuhage gamssa juneyo
Hangeoreumman deo gakkai jogeumman deo ttatteutage
Geudaewa na hamkkerago songarak geolgo promise to you
Promise to you…Ooh… Promise to you…Ooh.
The lyrics of Soulsister's Promises express a deep yearning for reassurance and commitment in a romantic relationship. The first verse describes the singer's inability to find relief from their emotional pain, despite searching for it every day. The second verse portrays a desire to escape the monotony of life and to be enveloped in their lover's embrace, finding solace in their warmth. The chorus repeatedly asks, "What about us? What about love?" as the singer seeks validation of their importance in the relationship. The bridge seems to suggest that the singer fears losing their emotional connection with their lover in the face of hardship, comparing it to a dying light. The song ends with a renewed promise of commitment and togetherness.
Overall, the lyrics of Promises express a relatable human struggle to find meaning and connection in a romantic relationship. The emotions expressed are universal, and the song's simple and repetitive chorus adds to its emotional resonance. The song beautifully captures the complexities of love and the need for reassurance and commitment in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Ooo Uhh
An emotional cry expressing frustration and helplessness.
Hancham kkumkkwowatdeon maeiri naege chajawado seolmyeonghal su eomneun apeumi onmome peojyeo
Pain that can't be explained, even when I look for it every day in dreams.
Gakkeumssigeun na honja itgo sipgo cham manheun siseoni jom himgyeowo
I want to be alone sometimes, but I'm a little scared when I think about it too much.
Pyeongbeomhan ilsang soge jamgyeoseo sumswigo sipeul ttae
When I'm exhausted from getting stuck in daily life, I want to take a break and breathe.
"what about us? What about love?"
Questioning what will happen to a relationship, and to love in general.
Nal ireukyeojuneun i hanmadi
This single moment that moves me.
Geudae pume aneun chaero ttaseuhage gamssa juneyo
I’ll hold you tight in my arms to wrap you tighter.
Hwaryeohan jomyeongi kkeojimyeon haruga kkeutnago chyeojin eokkae sok teong bin i mam. Eojjeol su eobtjyo
When the bright lights turn off, the bad feelings hidden deep down come to the surface. It’s hard to deal with them.
Kkok sumgyeodun nae mam dudeurineyo kkamkkamhan sigan sok gijeokcheoreom
I’m holding my heart tightly, Like a memory in a dark time.
Bicheuro nal hwanhi barkhyeojwoyo geudae tto dasi
You shine a bright light on me, again.
Hangeoreumman deo gakkai jogeumman deo ttatteutage
A little closer to each other, a little more excited.
Uri duri hamkkerago songarak geolgo promise to you
Just promise to walk together with me, shoulder to shoulder.
Danji gomapdaneun mallo dahal sun eopgetjiman
There's nothing I can say, except thank you.
"what about us? What about love?"
Questioning what will happen to a relationship, and to love in general.
Hangeoreumman deo gakkai jogeumman deo ttatteutage
A little closer to each other, a little more excited.
Geudaewa na hamkkerago songarak geolgo promise to you
Just promise to walk together with you, shoulder to shoulder.
Promise to you…Ooh… Promise to you…Ooh.
Making a promise to stay together until the end.
Writer(s): Paul Anna Michiels, Jan Anna Leyers, David Werner
Contributed by Kennedy H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.