"Promises And Lies" by UB40 is a song about betrayal, deceit, and the consequences of trusting someone who turns out to be unfaithful. The lyrics express the pain, sorrow, and sacrifices made in vain for someone who ultimately brings disappointment. The song begins with the realization that the protagonist was too blind to see the true nature of the person they trusted. This person, referred to as singing a "serpent's song," puts the protagonist down for a long time, undermining their self-worth. The chorus highlights that the rest of the story unfolds as history, indicating that the protagonist has moved on from the toxic relationship. They declare that the person who deceived them can no longer harm them. Having reached rock bottom and having nowhere else to go, the protagonist saw through the false promises that were nothing but lies. The second verse describes the depth of the betrayal, with the pain inflicted being both quick and deep. The person who deceived the protagonist believed they didn't need any friends. However, life changes, and the tides turn, leaving this person isolated as they burned all their bridges. The wounds caused by their actions were too severe to heal. Overall, "Promises And Lies" speaks to the emotions and consequences of trusting someone who ultimately proves to be unfaithful. The lyrics convey feelings of hurt, regret, and a sense of liberation after finally seeing through the deceit.
