The Presets have been one of the biggest indie bands for the past few years in Australia, touring with and supporting many well known bands such as Daft Punk, 2 Many DJ's and Ladytron. Their first LP Blow up combines electro, rock, techno, pop and a handful of other genres together in a seamless manner. Their second album, Apocalypso, was released on 12 April 2008. The album was a commercial and critical success, winning the ARIA Awards for "Best Dance Release" and "Album of the Year" that year.
Promises
The Presets Lyrics
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All the fires that we've feedin'
All the lies that we've been livin' in
All the promises promises promises
Promises promises promises
All the promises we've been given, given, given
All the lies that we've been livin', livin', livin'
Am I the only one that's still believin'
Wouldn't it be nice if we
Could leave behind the mess we're in
Could dig beneath these old troubles return
To find something amazing
And Wouldn't it be cool if we
Sail this ship to calmer seas
Turn our backs on bush fires burn
Leave it on the coast
All the promises we've been given, given, given
All the fires that we've feedin', feedin', feedin'
All the lies that we've been livin', livin', livin'
Am I the only one that's still believin'
I can see you're in it to go
I think we knew this day might come
I hope you'll find what we never ooh
Could never seem to love
But if you find just one reason to return
You'll find me open arms
All the promises we've been given, given, given
All the fires that we've feedin', feedin', feedin'
All the lies that we've been livin', livin', livin'
Am I the only one that's still believin'
Wouldn't it be nice, if we
Wouldn't it be nice
The Presets' song "Promises" is a representation of disillusionment and disappointment a person faces in their life when they don't achieve what they were promised. In the song, there is a sense of frustration and regret about the decisions made because the promises of a better future and happiness could not be fulfilled. The lyrics suggest that we have been feeding the fires of our disappointment and anger for too long and living in a reality that is not truthful ('All the promises we've been given, all the fires that we've been feeding, all the lies that we’ve been living in'). There is a hope that one day we can leave the mess of our previous decisions behind, turn our backs on the bushfires that are burning inside us, and find something amazing.
The song is asking whether anyone still believes in the promises they were given and the hopes that they had. The singer wonders if they are the only one still holding onto the promises that they were given or if there is anyone else who still has faith in those promises. Towards the end of the song, the singer seems to accept that the person they are addressing may not be coming back, but they want them to know that if they ever change their mind, they will be welcomed back with open arms.
Line by Line Meaning
All the promises we've been given
All of the commitments and pledges that have been made to us
All the fires that we've feedin'
All of the conflicts and hostilities that we have fueled
All the lies that we've been livin' in
All of the deception and falsehoods that we have lived with
Am I the only one that's still believin'
Asking if they are the only one who still has faith and optimism in the face of all the broken promises, conflicts, and lies
Wouldn't it be nice if we
Expressing a desire for a better future and imagining the possibility of change
Could leave behind the mess we're in
Reflecting on the difficulties and problems that must be overcome
Could dig beneath these old troubles return
Exploring the root causes of problems in order to find solutions
To find something amazing
Hoping that the effort will lead to a discovery that is exciting and new
And wouldn't it be cool if we
Continuing to imagine a better future and highlighting its desirability
Sail this ship to calmer seas
Desiring a sense of stability and solace amidst the chaos of the present
Turn our backs on bush fires burn
Turning away from the conflicts and tensions of the present
Leave it on the coast
Moving away from the past and leaving it behind
I can see you're in it to go
Observing that someone is committed to moving forward
I think we knew this day might come
Recognizing that change is inevitable
I hope you'll find what we never ooh
Wishing for someone to find something that was always out of reach in the past
Could never seem to love
Acknowledging a difficulty in embracing certain aspects of life
But if you find just one reason to return
Holding out hope for the possibility of reconciliation and return
You'll find me open arms
Offering acceptance and forgiveness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JULIAN HAMILTON, KIMBERLEY MOYES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bigbadTF
i cant get over how great this song is .
@LetsRocketship
To me, these images are like Pokemon. I want ALL of them. Nay, I want to live in a mansion made not of rooms, but all these clips, in which I will wander all day. Thank you, Noisey for what you provide me with. I love when something like this comes along that I know I'll be replaying for the next couple of weeks until you give me another. LOVE LOVE.
@Noisey
Thanks friend! We do this for you!
@denwad67
perfect song for bringing in the new year!!!!!
@blankadventure
This is such a gorgeous song.
@ricardosala7654
Melhor música do ano!!!
@MyLifeintheCurvyLane
Great song...love it. Please consider coming on tour to the US!
@ismaeldiegodiazverdellana
primera vez que veo el videoclip de esta obra maestra. Que genial
@putrasia
beautiful song
@IsLadyCassette
Me encanto!