The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Ah, loving you is easy, you are on my side
We play the game strictly to our rules
We led the field, a love affair
Which made all other lovers fools
Oh
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down?
These promises are made for us (oh-oh)
We promised that we'd always have time for each other
Whenever I needed you'd be there
We promised to be true, there'd be no other
We promised that for ever we would care
Oh
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down?
These promises are made for us (oh-oh)
We had to change
Oh, but you stayed the same
You wouldn't change
Oh, what a shame
'Cause loving you's not easy, you're not on my side
We play a game with two sets of rules
We lead the field in a love affair
Ah, strictly meant for fools
Oh
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down?
Those promises were made for us (oh-oh)
You never have any time for me
Whenever I need you, you're not there
You've never been true and it's plain to see
The fact is you never really cared
Oh
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down?
Those promises we made for us (oh-oh)
We play the game strictly to our rules
We led the field, a love affair
Which made all other lovers fools
Oh
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down?
These promises are made for us (oh-oh)
We promised that we'd always have time for each other
Whenever I needed you'd be there
We promised to be true, there'd be no other
We promised that for ever we would care
Oh
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down? (how)
How can you ever let me down?
These promises are made for us (oh-oh)
We had to change
Oh, but you stayed the same
You wouldn't change
Oh, what a shame
'Cause loving you's not easy, you're not on my side
We play a game with two sets of rules
We lead the field in a love affair
Ah, strictly meant for fools
Oh
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down?
Those promises were made for us (oh-oh)
You never have any time for me
Whenever I need you, you're not there
You've never been true and it's plain to see
The fact is you never really cared
Oh
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down? (now)
Why did you ever let me down?
Those promises we made for us (oh-oh)
Lyrics submitted by rimzilwave
Promises Lyrics as written by Pete Shelley Steve Diggle
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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i dont understand why there arent more buzzcocks fans on this site.