Promise

Laufey's song 'Promise' is a poignant exploration of the emotional turmoil that comes with trying to move on from a significant relationship. The lyrics convey a narrative of someone who has made a conscious decision to distance themselves from a former partner, a promise to themselves that is both a protective measure and a source of pain. The song's opening lines set the stage for a journey of self-imposed separation, with the imagery of taking a flight through aurora skies suggesting a beautiful yet lonely departure.

The refrain 'It hurts to be something, it's worse to be nothing with you' captures the essence of the song's conflict. The singer grapples with the paradoxical pain of both presence and absence in the relationship. Being 'something' with the other person is painful, likely due to unresolved issues or the inherent difficulty of the relationship, but the thought of being 'nothing'—completely disconnected and irrelevant to them—is portrayed as an even greater source of anguish. This emotional tug-of-war is further illustrated by the singer's struggle with the temptation to reach out, a testament to the difficulty of truly letting go.

The climax of the song reveals a moment of weakness when the singer breaks their promise and calls the other person, triggered by a chance encounter with someone who resembles their former lover. This moment underscores the song's theme of the lingering hold that past relationships can have on us, often resurfacing when least expected. Laufey's 'Promise' is a delicate and heartfelt ballad that resonates with anyone who has experienced the bittersweet process of trying to move on while still feeling tied to the past.