Promise To Try

Madonna's 'Promise To Try' is a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the struggle to move forward after a profound loss. The song is deeply personal, reflecting Madonna's own experience with the death of her mother when she was just a child. The lyrics are a conversation with her younger self, urging her to remember her mother's face and eyes, and to keep her memory alive despite the pain it brings. This dialogue between past and present selves highlights the enduring impact of loss and the difficulty of reconciling with it.

The song's chorus, 'I promise to try, it's not the same,' encapsulates the central theme of the struggle to honor a loved one's memory while also trying to live in the present. Madonna acknowledges the challenge of keeping her head held high and moving forward, as life isn't fair and often feels overwhelming. The lyrics 'Never look behind, life isn't fair' and 'I fought to be so strong' reveal the internal battle between holding on to the past and the necessity of forging ahead.

Madonna also touches on the themes of forgiveness and self-compassion. She sings, 'Little girl you've got to forget the past and learn to forgive me,' indicating a need to forgive herself for any perceived shortcomings in dealing with her grief. The line 'Don't let memory play games with your mind' suggests the haunting nature of memories and the difficulty of distinguishing between holding on and letting go. The song concludes with a promise to try, even though it feels like a lie, underscoring the complexity of grief and the ongoing effort to find peace.