Song meaning of Promise by MUNA

The song "Promise" by MUNA explores themes of deceit, fear, and self-sabotage in relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of self-awareness and introspection, with the artist reflecting on their own harmful behavior and the consequences it has had on their partner.

In the first verse, the artist admits to telling lies in an attempt to compromise, but later realizes that these were merely excuses to keep their partner in place. They acknowledge their fear of losing the relationship and the unjust actions they have taken in order to prevent that. This highlights the conflict between their desire to hold onto the relationship and their dishonesty.

The chorus and post-chorus delve into the artist's self-awareness of their destructive behavior. They question why they exhibit this behavior, acknowledging their tendency to resist affection and build emotional barriers. The artist is aware of their false promises, and even if their partner were to forgive them, they doubt their own ability to apologize sincerely.

In the second verse, the artist witnesses the damage caused to their partner as a result of their actions. They portray their partner as being "bruised and broken down" because of the toxic love they thought they deserved. Despite wanting to change, fear prevents the artist from fully committing, leading them to push their partner away.

The bridge adds another layer to the interpretation of the song. It references "mean-hearted girls" who harm their relationships in order to hurt themselves, revealing a deeper self-destructive pattern. The artist questions whether they deserve forgiveness and whether they can ever truly forgive themselves for the pain they have caused.

Overall, "Promise" tells a story of a troubled relationship marked by dishonesty, fear, and self-sabotage. It explores the complexity and internal struggle of the artist, showcasing their awareness of their harmful behavior and their uncertainty about their ability to change.