Promises

Cleo Sol's song 'Promises' delves into the complex emotions of self-love, heartbreak, and the struggle to reconcile the two. The lyrics open with a promise to love oneself, a commitment that is often easier said than done. This internal conflict is highlighted by the line, 'Sometimes I lie to myself,' suggesting that the journey to self-love is fraught with challenges and moments of self-deception. The artist questions her direction in life, encapsulated in the line, 'Where're you going? No one knows,' which speaks to the uncertainty and confusion that often accompany personal growth and emotional healing.

The song then shifts to a relationship that seems to be in a state of flux. Cleo Sol reflects on the changes happening around her while she remains emotionally stagnant, as indicated by the line, 'Things are changing, but I'm still here.' The lyrics convey a sense of longing and unfulfilled closeness, 'We get closer, but not close enough,' which suggests a relationship that never quite reaches its full potential. The repeated questioning of 'Why'd you have to leave?' and 'Why'd you have to go?' underscores the pain and confusion of abandonment, making it clear that the artist is grappling with the loss of someone significant.

In the chorus, Cleo Sol writes a letter to herself filled with promises, one for her and one for the person she loved. This act of writing symbolizes a form of self-therapy and an attempt to find closure. The repeated assertion that 'Love is not our enemy' serves as a reminder that love, despite its challenges, is not to be feared or blamed. The song concludes with a need for distance, 'Need some distance from you,' and the admission of disappointment, 'I just disappoint you,' highlighting the painful but necessary step of creating space to heal and grow. Through 'Promises,' Cleo Sol beautifully captures the intricate dance between self-love and the heartache of lost relationships, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience.