Meaning of "Promises" by Ryn Weaver

The lyrics of "Promises" by Ryn Weaver delve into the internal struggle of the protagonist as they repeatedly fail to keep their promises to themselves. The song captures the frustration and disappointment that come with continuously breaking commitments and the internal battle between wanting to change and falling into the same patterns. The repeated phrases "Never meant to break my own promises" and "Promises, just promises" highlight the protagonist's recognition of their own accountability and a sense of self-awareness that they are at fault for their repeated failures.

Throughout the song, the protagonist seems to be caught in a cycle of making promises and then breaking them. Despite their best intentions, they find themselves succumbing to distractions and excuses. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist is seeking peace of mind and solutions but struggles to maintain focus. The description of their "focus drunk on the floor" and mumbling "about one more" indicates a lack of control and the inability to resist temptation.

The chorus of the song reinforces the protagonist's self-awareness and regret. They acknowledge that they never intended to break their own promises, yet they find themselves repeating the same mistakes. The repetition of the phrase "One more night, I said it the last time" highlights their desire to change and their recognition that their actions are not aligned with their intentions. However, the line "I'll say it a million more" suggests a sense of resignation, as if they have lost hope in their ability to break the cycle.

The lyrics also touch upon the internal conflict faced by the protagonist. They mention the fight or flight response and their tendency to side with the latter. This reflects a pattern of avoidance and escape rather than confronting their failings head-on. The reference to laughter and choking when trying to speak further emphasizes the difficulty they face in expressing their true intentions and desires. They feel confined and unable to articulate the reasons behind their repeated failures.

In essence, "Promises" explores the struggle of self-sabotage and the battle to break free from harmful patterns. It portrays the frustration, self-blame, and repeated cycles of broken promises. The song speaks to the universal experience of wanting to change but finding oneself trapped in a cycle of self-destruction.