The Promise (song)

"The Promise"
Single by When in Rome from the album When in Rome
Released	1988
Format	vinyl record (12")
Genre	Dance, Pop
Length	3:40
Label	Virgin, 10
Writer	Clive Farrington, Michael Floreale, Andrew Mann
Producer	Michael Brauer
When in Rome singles chronology
– "The Promise" (1988) "Heaven Knows" (1989)

"The Promise" is a dance song performed by the British band When in Rome. The tune made the Top 20 on the Billboard's Hot 100 chart in 1988 and is the band's biggest commercial hit. More recently, it gained publicity after being featured over the end credits of the 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite.

Cover versions

• The band Hey Mercedes covered the song as a hidden track on their 2002 EP The Weekend EP.
• The Eyeliners, a female punk band, released a more punk oriented version of the song on their 2005 album, No Apologies.
• Anberlin, an alternative rock band, released a cover of the song on the special edition of their 2007 album, Cities, as well as on their b-sides album, Lost Songs.
• New Found Glory covered this song on their newest album From the Screen to Your Stereo Part II.
• The female electro duo Marsheaux covered it on their 2007 album Peekaboo.

Lyrics and composition

In the song's lyrics, the narrator tells a young woman that he will make her fall in love with him, and that he will always be there for her. He can't find the words to express his love, but if she waits he promises that he will make her love him. The style is similar to the output of the synth-pop band Flock of Seagulls.

Chart performance

"The Promise" was initially released as a 12" record and reached the top of the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. After the release of the group's self titled debut the song was re-released and peaked at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Charts

References

External links

• "The Promise" lyrics