Tracy Chapman – The Promise
Tracy Chapman released “The Promise” in 1995, a track that has been appreciated and listened to by many, showcasing her musical talent and emotional depth in songwriting. The song is a part of her album “New Beginning” released in the same year.
Tracy Chapman The Promise Lyrics Meaning
“The Promise” is a beautiful, moving love song by Tracy Chapman. In the song, Chapman makes a heartfelt promise to her lover – if he thinks of her and keeps a place for her in his heart, she will return so they can be together again.
What makes this song so poignant is its simplicity yet profound meaning. Chapman imbues plainspoken phrases with deep emotion. We feel this is a deeply personal song for her. Her incredible talent as a singer also shines through. The simple fingerpicked guitar accompanied by strings is an ideal, understated musical backdrop that lets her voice and words take center stage. Sometimes, less is more.
Though Chapman’s vocal range is limited here to about half an octave, she conveys far more feeling than some showy divas who sing acrobatic runs over multiple octaves. Aspiring vocalists would do well to study Chapman to learn that raw emotion can be transmitted without vocal pyrotechnics. This song proves it can be done.