Meaning of "Promise to Try" by Madonna

"Promise to Try" delves into themes of loss, grief, and the struggle to let go of the past. The song addresses a little girl who has faced hardships and felt pain at a young age. Madonna sings to this girl, urging her to remember the face and eyes of someone important to her, someone who has maybe passed away. The narrator promises to try to keep their memory alive and not let it fade away, but admits that it feels like a lie. The pain of loss is evident throughout the lyrics, as the narrator grapples with the fear of abandonment and the difficulty of moving forward.

The song hints at the narrator's own struggle with loss, possibly the loss of a loved one or a relationship. The repetition of the phrase "kiss her goodbye" suggests a farewell, perhaps suggesting that the person they are mourning is permanently gone. The narrator questions whether the departed one can see their vulnerable moments when they stumble and fall, and if they can hear their cries in the night. These questions reflect a deep longing for connection and a yearning for the comfort and support this person provided. It highlights the ongoing pain and grief the narrator experiences.

While the song encourages the little girl to "ride like the wind" and not dwell on the unfairness of life, it also reveals the narrator's inner struggle. They confess their fears of abandonment and express the difficulty of letting go. The line "I'm still hanging on -- but I'm doing it wrong" suggests that the narrator is trying to hold on to the memories and the person they lost, but it is not a healthy or productive way to cope. The song recognizes the complexity of grief and the challenge of moving on, even if one promises to try.