The song "Promises" by Jorn is a powerful and emotional ballad that delves into themes of heartbreak, loneliness, and unfulfilled promises in a relationship. The lyrics describe the feeling of being trapped in a dark and painful place, symbolized by the imagery of a crow hiding from the sun and being deep down in a hole. The tears of the narrator are compared to heavy clay blending with rust, emphasizing the weight and sadness they carry. The song talks about the promises made by the other person in the relationship. The narrator acknowledges that they cannot force the other person to feel the same way, leading to a sense of isolation and tears that are dry and internalized. The darkness of their loneliness swallows their joy, and they cannot deceive themselves about their true emotions. There is a mention of a stabbing pain in the core of the heart caused by the actions of the other person, leading to bleeding for their love. The scars left by this pain are layers of sorrow, and the coldness of the other person's actions is compared to a chilling night. The song highlights the contrast between the promises made and the reality of the situation. The narrator yearns for something real, something that goes beyond empty words. They recognize that they cannot force the other person to genuinely feel, and this realization causes them to cry and feel the weight of what is true. The chorus repeats the pain and loneliness the narrator feels, emphasizing that they know what is real and cannot lie to themselves. They ask for something genuine, a love that is not mere illusion. In the final verse, the narrator likens their tears to hard rain. They express their realization that they never saw the wicked games played by the other person, highlighting their innocence and the betrayal they experienced. Overall, "Promises" by Jorn tells a story of a broken relationship where promises were made but not kept. It explores the pain, loneliness, and struggle to come to terms with these unfulfilled expectations. The song captures the raw emotions and vulnerability associated with heartbreak and the yearning for something genuine and true.