Fiona Apple is one of the most unique and captivating artists of our time. Her music is a blend of pop, jazz, and rock, with lyrics that are both poetic and raw. One of her most powerful songs is "Never Is a Promise," which appears on her debut album, Tidal. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the lyrics of "Never Is a Promise" and explore why they are so meaningful.
Verse 1
The song opens with the lines "You'll never see the courage I know/Its colors' richness won't appear within your view". Here, Fiona is expressing her frustration with someone who cannot see the depth of her character. She knows that she possesses a kind of courage that this person will never understand or appreciate. The imagery of "colors' richness" is particularly striking, suggesting that Fiona's courage is a vibrant, multi-faceted thing that cannot be easily described.
Chorus
The chorus of "Never Is a Promise" is simple but haunting. Fiona repeats the phrase "Never is a promise" several times, emphasizing the idea that nothing in life is certain. This is a theme that runs throughout the song, as Fiona grapples with the uncertainty and unpredictability of the world. By repeating the phrase, she is reminding us that life is full of surprises and that we should never take anything for granted.
Verse 2
In the second verse of "Never Is a Promise," Fiona sings about the pain that comes with love. She refers to "the love that loves to love to love" and "the love that loves to lie," suggesting that there are different kinds of love, some of which are more genuine than others. Fiona is no stranger to heartbreak, and she seems to be cautioning the listener against falling for someone who is not truly worthy of their affection.
Bridge
The bridge of "Never Is a Promise" is perhaps the most poignant part of the song. Here, Fiona sings "You'll never know the hurt I suffered nor the pain I rise above/And I'll never know the same about you, your holiness or your kind of love". These lines are incredibly powerful, as they acknowledge the fact that we can never truly understand another person's experiences or emotions. Fiona is reminding us that we are all individuals with our own unique struggles and triumphs.
Verse 3
The final verse of "Never Is a Promise" is a bit more hopeful than the rest of the song. Fiona sings about wanting to "write a melody that turns into harmony," suggesting that she is searching for a way to bring order and beauty to a chaotic world. She also refers to "the love that loves to love to feel" and "the love that loves to kneel," suggesting that there is a kind of love that is humble and selfless. By ending the song on this note, Fiona leaves us with a glimmer of hope and a reminder that love can be a transformative force in our lives.
Conclusion
Overall, "Never Is a Promise" is a powerful and deeply moving song that showcases Fiona Apple's incredible talent as a singer and songwriter. The lyrics are both poetic and relatable, touching on universal themes like love, loss, and the search for meaning. Whether you're a longtime fan of Fiona's music or you're just discovering her for the first time, "Never Is a Promise" is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
