If you think of me/
If you miss me once in a while/
Then I’ll return to you/
This is a beautiful love song by Tracy Chapman. What is “The Promise”? She promises her lover that if he/she thinks of her and holds a place for her in his/her heart she will return and they can be together again. What is amazing about this song is how simple it is, but how moving it is.
Chapman infuses so much meaning into each phrase. We feel this is a personal song to her. Also, she is an incredibly talented singer. The simplicity of the arrangement is also amazing. The light finger-picking backed by strings is such a great choice. Sometimes less is more.
Chapman’s voice doesn’t vary much more than half an octave in this song, but she is still able to convey more emotion than some of the soulless divas who sing several octaves and have various runs on every word. To all the up and coming singers, study Tracy Chapman and how she conveys emotion without vocal gymnastics. It can be done.
The Promise Lyrics
If you wait for me,
Then I’ll come for you.
Although I’ve traveled far,
I always hold a place for you in my heart.
If you think of me,
If you miss me once in a while.
Then I’ll return to you,
I’ll return and fill that space in your heart.
Remembering,
Your touch,
Your kiss,
Your warm embrace.
I’ll find my way back to you,
If you’ll be waiting.
If you dream of me,
Like I dream of you-
In a place that’s warm and dark,
In a place where I can feel the beating of your heart.
Remembering,
Your touch,
Your kiss,
Your warm embrace.
I’ll find my way back to you,
If you’ll be waiting.
Oh, I’ve longed for you,
And I have desired,
To see your face, your smile.
To be with you wherever you are.
Remembering,
Your touch,
Your kiss,
Your warm embrace.
I’ll find my way back to you,
Please say you’ll be waiting.
Together again;
It would feel so good to be
In your arms.
Where all my journeys end.
If you can make a promise,
If it’s one that you can keep-
I vow to come for you,
If you wait for me.
And say you’ll hold
A place for me
In your heart.
A place for me in your heart.
A place for me in your heart.
A place for me in your heart.
Songwriters: Tracy L Chapman