Meaning of "A Promise" by Echo & The Bunnymen

The lyrics of "A Promise" by Echo & The Bunnymen explore the theme of broken promises and the futility of hoping for change. The repetition of the word "promise" throughout the song emphasizes the weight of these broken commitments. The singer seems locked in a cycle of false hope, where someone repeatedly assures them that things will be different, only to end up disappointed when nothing actually changes. This could be interpreted as a reflection on the human tendency to cling to the belief that things will improve, even when faced with evidence to the contrary. Despite the acknowledgment that the situation remains the same, there is still a stubborn insistence on making promises to create the illusion of change. The imagery of light on the waves and the idea of sailing on forever suggest a longing for something better, but the reality of unfulfilled promises remains.