Lyric discussion by ValerieA 

Cover art for The Promise lyrics by Tracy Chapman

I think the first verse is about a journey that two lovers or soulmates have to make trough life apart from each other. Different situations, experiences and life lessons must be experienced in order to grow into the person they are ultimately supposed to be. Even though they won't be together forever in this life, they still have a lot of love for each other and keep a place in their hearts for their loved one or a deep connection in a friendship.

When their paths finally cross again after having worked on their traumas separately, they have learned new life lessons, traveled, met new people, gained experiences and found inner peace within themselves. Will they return to each other, in this life or in any other form. They will find peace, love and tranquility together.

[Edit: Type fould]

My Interpretation