Promise Lyrics

Lyric discussion by richardH 

Cover art for Promise lyrics by Ben Howard

Firstly, I really like your view of this song. Because of your opinion this song has now a double meaning for me.

Secondly, my thoughts about this song has also a different meaning. For me this is about a man who is transforming into the person he is supposed to be.

“And meet me there, bundles of flowers We wait through the hours of cold Winter shall howl at the walls Tearing down doors of time Shelter as we go”

In time he will tear down his walls he build (winter shall howl at the walls), it is a long and lonely road to achieve that goal. (the hours of cold) During this progress he has to be careful and patient (shelter as we go)

The we-form is the person he is at the moment and the person he will/wants to become.

The new man is saying to the old man: and meet me there, bundles of flowers. So when he is finally blossomed, he knows he is transformed.

"And promise me this You'll wait for me only Scared of the lonely arms Surface, far below these burn And maybe, just maybe I'll come home">>

During the progress there will be people who wants something from you. Don't give in, just because you are lonely. You only will lose yourself more and more. Rise above it and maybe you will find yourself.

The sentence, who am I, darling to you? Is for me: the way you are now is not enough, that is why you are feeling alone. Respect yourself and do something about it.

My Interpretation

Indeed, so many interpretations for a well written poetic song, yours is interesting and hopeful, mine is at the other end of the spectrum. BTW, at the end (I come alone here) means to me that when they talk he is by himself she isn't.