Promises (1978) – Eric Clapton

I was reminded of this wonderful country song by my friend Max at his PowerPop blog.

I had this single when I was a kid that was passed down to me from someone. This was before I knew about Cream, Yardbirds, or anything else. It was probably my first impression of Eric Clapton. When I did hear Cream it was a bit of a shock.

I believe my first listen of Clapton was his live version of Tears in Heaven shown on Rage – an all-night Australian music video program that has aired since 1987. Watching that show’s top 40 countdown became an early morning weekend ritual before my brother and I went out to play our respective sports. I first heard today’s featured track Promises in my late teens at the Academy. Promises was written by Richard Feldman and Roger Linn and recorded by British singer and guitarist Eric Clapton in 1978 and released on his studio album Backless.

I have always enjoyed this laid-back, country-flavored tune by Eric. The melody is catchy yet simple, with a chorus that is instantly memorable. This “swaying, melodic rocker” sometimes sounds like Clapton’s earlier hit Lay Down Sally. The production is clean and polished, typical of late 1970s recordings.
He embodied a smooth, relaxed style during this period, blending elements of rock, country, and pop into a sound that is both mellow and melodic. He did develop a good friendship with the American country artist Don Williams who had strong influence over a variety of performers of different genres including Clapton.

Promises deals with themes of love, commitment, and the bittersweet realisation of a relationship that is unlikely to be restored. The lyrics are reflective and somewhat melancholic, but Clapton maintains a sense of resignation rather than despair.

[Verse 1]
I don’t care if you never come home
I don’t mind if you just keep on
Rowing away on a distant sea
Because I don’t love you and you don’t love me

[Verse 2]
You cause a commotion when you come to town
You give them a smile and they melt
Having lovers and friends is all good and fine
But I don’t like yours and you don’t like mine

[Verse 3]
I don’t care what you do at night
Oh, and I don’t care how you get your delights
I will leave you alone, I will just let it be
I don’t love you and you don’t love me

[Chorus]
I got a problem. Can you relate?
I got a woman calling love hate
We made a vow we’d always be friends
How could we know that promises end?

[Verse 4]
I tried to love you for years upon years
You refuse to take me for real
It’s time you saw what I want you to see
And I would still love you, if you’d just love me

[Chorus]

The release was successful in the United States reaching No. 9 on the Billboard chart. In Australia, the song peaked at No. 26, although in the United Kingdom it only made No. 37.  

References:
1. Promises (Eric Clapton song) – Wikipedia