Son Volt's "Promise the World" is a raw and honest tune, full of grit and resilience. The song opens with a powerful statement, "Don’t get down when the cavalry doesn’t arrive / It’s only in Hollywood they didn’t get it right," highlighting the false expectations of happy endings that we often see in movies and the California coastal lifestyle.
The song is about hope amidst hardship. The chorus which serves as the turnaround in the math of the song is "We’ll be damaged, there will be hell to pay / Light after darkness, that is the way." It's encouraging us all to stay grounded and find our footing, even in tough situations.
Overall rooted in the imagery and history of American music culture, Son Volt celebrates the every man who is not covered in accolades yet does what must be done to make the world a better place: "We all move mountains that stand in the way / Just part of being here, making things right."
"Promise the World" is a refreshing reminder of American spirit, check it out!
