"Promises" is a poignant track by SZA from her critically acclaimed album, released in 2022. The song delves into the complexities of personal growth and the emotional intricacies of relationships.
The song explores themes of self-doubt, personal growth, and the complexities of relationships, highlighting the struggle with maturity and the need for emotional support.
The song opens with an introspective tone, as SZA expresses her fears about not growing up and feeling inadequate. The lines "Fearing not growing up / Keeping me up at night / Am I doing enough? / Feel like I'm wasting time" set the stage for a deep exploration of self-doubt and the pressure to meet societal expectations. This vulnerability resonates with listeners who may share similar anxieties about their own lives.
In the pre-chorus, SZA makes a promise to herself and her partner: "Promise to get a little / Better as I get older / And you're so patient / And sick of waiting." This acknowledgment of her partner's patience highlights the complexities of relationships, where one partner may feel burdened by the other's struggles. The repetition of the phrase "I need a little bit" emphasizes her desire for support and understanding, suggesting that she is aware of her shortcomings but is actively seeking to improve.
The chorus serves as a plea for empathy: "Please don't take it, don't take it personal / Like I know you usually do." This line reveals the emotional turmoil that can arise in relationships, where actions may be misinterpreted. SZA's request for her partner not to take her struggles personally underscores the importance of communication and understanding in maintaining a healthy relationship.
In the verse, SZA reflects on her personal life, mentioning forgetting to call her mother and the shame that accompanies it. The lines "Forget to call your mama on the weekend / You should put yourself in time out" suggest a sense of guilt and the need for self-reflection. The imagery of "hopping through poppy fields / Dodging evil witches" adds a whimsical yet dark layer to her narrative, indicating a desire to escape from her problems while also acknowledging their presence.
The pre-chorus repeats, reinforcing her commitment to growth and the urgency of her need for support. The phrase "Right now I feel it pouring" can be interpreted as a metaphor for overwhelming emotions, suggesting that she is in a state of emotional turmoil that requires immediate attention.
The outro introduces a heavier tone with the imagery of winter: "Like winters fall on us, heavy / Take it off me, all it off / Winter, I can't stand this / Snow is falling all on me." This metaphor for emotional weight and isolation encapsulates the struggle of feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges. The winter imagery evokes feelings of coldness and heaviness, contrasting with the earlier themes of hope and growth.
Overall, "Promises" is a deeply introspective song that captures the essence of navigating personal challenges while seeking understanding and support from loved ones. SZA's lyrical vulnerability and emotional honesty resonate with listeners, making it a relatable exploration of self-doubt and the complexities of relationships.