Meaning of "Promises" by Hopes Die Last

The song "Promises" by Hopes Die Last explores the complex emotions and insecurities that arise within a one-sided love or infatuation. The narrator is deeply captivated by someone who has made promises of love and loyalty, causing them to feel wild and euphoric. The person's emotions are heightened to the point where they no longer feel the pain of any fire burning them. The repeated phrase "you'll never want to leave my side" suggests a fear of abandonment and a desperate desire for the other person's permanence in their life. The narrator wants to believe in the sweetness and loyalty promised to them, but there is an undercurrent of skepticism and doubt. The line "as long as I don't break these promises" indicates the narrator's awareness that they carry a heavy responsibility to uphold their end of the promises made, or risk losing the person they adore.

However, as the song progresses, the repetition of the phrase "and they still feel all so wasted on myself" conveys a growing disillusionment and realization of the emptiness of these promises. Despite the strong emotions and hopes invested in the relationship, the narrator begins to question if these promises hold any real meaning or substance. The repetition of the phrase "they are so wasted on myself" emphasizes a sense of personal inadequacy and a belief that they are undeserving of the promises made. This feeling of inadequacy likely stems from the narrator's realization that they are caught up in a one-sided love where the other person may not truly reciprocate their feelings or intentions.

Overall, "Promises" delves into the vulnerable state of being deeply infatuated and reliant on promises made by another person. It explores themes of insecurity, doubt, and the realization that these promises may ultimately be futile and wasted on the narrator. The song captures the bittersweet combination of passion and fear that often accompanies unrequited love or an imbalanced relationship.