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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Broken Promises" by the artist "Willie Nelson"

Willie Nelson's song "Broken Promises" explores the inner turmoil of a lyrical hero grappling with his feelings for a former lover. Although he promised himself not to go back to her, knowing that she only brings him pain, he finds himself back in her arms.

Several key themes emerge throughout the lyrics:

1. Self-Deception and Weakness:

The hero is well aware that this relationship is destructive for him. He promises himself to stay away from his former lover but finds himself unable to keep his word. This speaks to his weakness in the face of his feelings and his inability to resist temptation, even though he recognizes its harmfulness.

2. Cyclical Nature of Pain and Forgiveness:

The lyrical hero seems stuck in a vicious cycle of pain and forgiveness. He knows that his former lover will hurt him again ("I knew you'd only make me cry"), but he still returns to her. This indicates that he has either not learned from his mistakes or is willing to endure pain for brief moments of intimacy.

3. Inevitability of Consequences:

Despite the momentary pleasure of reunion, the hero realizes that there will be a price to pay for breaking his promise. He knows that he will regret his actions tomorrow, but at this moment, he cannot or will not resist his desires.

4. Contradictory Emotions:

The song vividly conveys the duality of the hero's emotions. He experiences love, pain, desire, and fear simultaneously. "Sweet misery" is a powerful metaphor that describes the contradictory nature of his feelings.

In conclusion, "Broken Promises" is not just a song about unhappy love. It is a story about inner struggle, weakness, self-deception, and the inevitable consequences of reckless actions.

I made myself a promise, the day you put me down

That I wouldn't see you if you came around

But here you are, within my arms, the way you used to be

And I broke the promise that I made to me

They told me you were at a dance and I prepared to go

I made myself a promise that I'd only say hello

I knew you'd only hurt me, but it's such sweet misery

So I broke the promise that I made to me

[2x:]

A broken promise always means someone will surely cry

And I know who that someone's bound to be

And tomorrow I'll be sorry that I told myself a lie

And broke the promise that I made to me

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