Promises

Thrice's song 'Promises' delves into the frailty and insincerity of human commitments. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of how easily promises, even those made with the utmost solemnity, can be broken. The opening lines, 'We promise pretty things / And we pledge with diamond rings,' highlight the superficiality of these vows. Despite the grandeur of the promises, the song questions their true value, suggesting that words like 'undying love' often lack substance and are easily discarded when they become inconvenient or challenging.

The song further explores the deceitful nature of the human heart. Lines like 'Our word is so faint and feeble / Broken by the slightest breeze or breath' and 'Our hearts are, they're so deceitful / Sick and filled with lies that lead to death' emphasize the inherent weakness and dishonesty within us. Thrice uses strong imagery to convey the idea that our promises are fragile and easily shattered, much like a house of cards. This portrayal of human nature as 'cowards and thieves' suggests a deep-seated cynicism about our ability to uphold our commitments and the moral decay that results from our failures.

The repeated questioning in the chorus, 'Will we never turn to grieve the damage done? / Never see, never quake with rage at what we have become?' serves as a call to self-reflection and accountability. Thrice challenges listeners to confront the consequences of their broken promises and to recognize the harm caused by their actions. The song's powerful message is a reminder of the importance of integrity and the need to take responsibility for our words and deeds, urging us to strive for a more honest and faithful existence.