Story Behind The Song

Much of my identity is wrapped up in the promises and commitments I've made to other people. I like it that way. But occasionally I'll long to make a promise to someone who avoids making, and accepting promises. It's too bad.

Song Description

A driving folk-rock song about both the fear of making promises and the joy of being promised to people.

Lyrics

VERSE:
MAN OF NO PROMISES
May I take a seat
You?ve got the look of a convert boy
And so I?ve come over to preach

You?ve sung your story in chapters
Hosted by soft company
Chopped up and choked ever afters
Strangled by freedom?s sweet ring
Bore me to sleep

CHORUS:
Put me away
Drag me, drown me so deep
With the heavy stone of holding on
To the souls that mine meets
A vagabond who?s got nothing wrong
Is still ailing I think
MAN OF NO PROMISES
You?ve got nothing to keep

VERSE:
Racing time on the ship you drive
You pursue Peter Pan
Shrinking in fear of the wake behind
Such pain pursues such a man

Some of it you left with lovers
And some you gave to your friends
And some you saved for your mother
Whose own heart believed yours might win
Oh man begin

CHORUS:
Put me away
Drag me, drown me so deep
With the heavy stone of holding on
To the souls that mine meets
A vagabond who?s got nothing wrong
Is still ailing I think
MAN OF NO PROMISES
You?ve got nothing to keep

BRIDGE:
Keep me safe from my own wandering feet
I try to flee ? cripple what?s fickled
Though written for you ? for me
This strong song will keep me safely

So we begin - we dive in now
If you can sink - I?ll guide you down
I?ll be your daylight ? you?ll be my air
And we?ll escape from wandering everywhere

CHORUS:
Put me away
Drag me, drown me so deep
With the heavy stone of holding on
To the souls that mine meets
A vagabond who?s got nothing wrong
Is still ailing I think
MAN OF NO PROMISES
Find something to keep