Someday Never Comes
Brandi Carlile
The Heartbreak of Unfulfilled Promises in 'Someday Never Comes'
Brandi Carlile's 'Someday Never Comes' is a poignant exploration of unfulfilled promises and the emotional toll they take on relationships. The song's lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and disappointment, as the narrator reflects on a love that has failed to meet its potential. The opening lines, 'Dear Love I miss you much / I miss your smile and I miss your touch,' immediately set a tone of nostalgia and sorrow, indicating a relationship that once brought joy but is now a source of pain.
The recurring theme of 'someday' is central to the song's message. The narrator recounts promises of change and improvement that were never realized, encapsulated in the line, 'You said someday you'll change / But even a fool will tell you / Someday never comes.' This phrase underscores the futility of waiting for a future that never materializes, highlighting the emotional exhaustion that comes from holding onto false hopes. The imagery of aging and fading tattoos further emphasizes the passage of time and the inevitability of change, contrasting sharply with the stagnant nature of the relationship.
Carlile's lyrics also touch on themes of self-preservation and the difficult decision to leave. The lines, 'I have to go away / I've got no reason to stay here,' reflect a moment of clarity and self-empowerment. Despite the pain of leaving, the narrator recognizes the necessity of moving on for their own well-being. The song's narrative arc, from longing and disappointment to a resolve to leave, captures the complex emotions involved in ending a relationship that has become untenable. Through 'Someday Never Comes,' Carlile offers a raw and honest portrayal of the heartbreak that accompanies unfulfilled promises and the strength required to walk away.