Eliza Gilkyson — Promises to Keep
Album: 2020Avg rating:
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Length: 4:19
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I've been crying in the dark of night
I can't find my way to sleep
Thoughts and prayers will never make things right
And I have promises to keep
I've been hoping there'll be some way through
And all our loved ones will be fine
No one knows what it will come down to
So I'm just looking for a sign
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
I've been counting on my angel choir
To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
I've been following the brightest star
Letting my conscience be my guide
Cos there's no roadmap gonna tell us where we are
But the fire of love burns deep inside
And I've been crying in the dark of night
With miles to go before I sleep
Thoughts and prayers will never make things right
But I have promises to keep
I have promises to keep
I can't find my way to sleep
Thoughts and prayers will never make things right
And I have promises to keep
I've been hoping there'll be some way through
And all our loved ones will be fine
No one knows what it will come down to
So I'm just looking for a sign
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
I've been counting on my angel choir
To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
We're on fire, we're on fire, we're on fire now
I've been following the brightest star
Letting my conscience be my guide
Cos there's no roadmap gonna tell us where we are
But the fire of love burns deep inside
And I've been crying in the dark of night
With miles to go before I sleep
Thoughts and prayers will never make things right
But I have promises to keep
I have promises to keep
Comments (53)add comment
Bad!
Paraphrases lines of this Robert Frost poem
"I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep."
"I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep."
If you have the chance to see her in person........she is a special performer.
The lyrics and longing reveal that this song is of the current era.
sunward wrote:
aonley wrote: This song - the opposite of "on fire"
This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
I was ticked when I read aonley's remark. Then, listening once more to Eliza's touching lament/call to action, I could see that, although she is deeply saddened by the state of affairs in our world---"We're on fire"---she is calling on a higher power (her angel choir):
"To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street."
Here's what she says about it: "'Promises to Keep' was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change."
aonley, I'm hoping that you might listen again to the song and perhaps glimpse why she has been crying in the dark of night--and yet--has promises to keep. I've upped it to a 10, so guess I'll be out there with Eliza
This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
I was ticked when I read aonley's remark. Then, listening once more to Eliza's touching lament/call to action, I could see that, although she is deeply saddened by the state of affairs in our world---"We're on fire"---she is calling on a higher power (her angel choir):
"To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street."
Here's what she says about it: "'Promises to Keep' was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change."
aonley, I'm hoping that you might listen again to the song and perhaps glimpse why she has been crying in the dark of night--and yet--has promises to keep. I've upped it to a 10, so guess I'll be out there with Eliza
I did listen to the song again. It is sincere in message but very disengaging in performance.
Greymane96 wrote:
For what?
Sounds like it might have touched a nerve there ;-)
This song is propaganda.
For what?
Sounds like it might have touched a nerve there ;-)
I was doing okay until the harmonica kicked in. 
Guess Bob Dylan ruined that for me.
Guess Bob Dylan ruined that for me.Just awful!
Greymane96 wrote:
Your point being asshole.
This song is propaganda.
Your point being asshole.
Look for Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening-
I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. Good use of a fine stanza by RF.
I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. Good use of a fine stanza by RF.
What do y'all think: It sounds like some reference to Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening." Final lines:
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
But why the connection? I'd almost think it coincidence, but it's very close..
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
But why the connection? I'd almost think it coincidence, but it's very close..
eeastridge wrote:
...yep, and several more dead today. If people don't know what this song is about then they'll never have a clue.
"Thoughts and prayers will never make things right"
I'm not sure truer words have been spoken.
...yep, and several more dead today. If people don't know what this song is about then they'll never have a clue.
sunward wrote:
Well put. She sounds quite innocent and raw while her words are as wise as her years.
aonley wrote: This song - the opposite of "on fire"
This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
I was ticked when I read aonley's remark. Then, listening once more to Eliza's touching lament/call to action, I could see that, although she is deeply saddened by the state of affairs in our world---"We're on fire"---she is calling on a higher power (her angel choir):
"To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street."
Here's what she says about it: "'Promises to Keep' was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change."
aonley, I'm hoping that you might listen again to the song and perhaps glimpse why she has been crying in the dark of night--and yet--has promises to keep. I've upped it to a 10, so guess I'll be out there with Eliza
This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
I was ticked when I read aonley's remark. Then, listening once more to Eliza's touching lament/call to action, I could see that, although she is deeply saddened by the state of affairs in our world---"We're on fire"---she is calling on a higher power (her angel choir):
"To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street."
Here's what she says about it: "'Promises to Keep' was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change."
aonley, I'm hoping that you might listen again to the song and perhaps glimpse why she has been crying in the dark of night--and yet--has promises to keep. I've upped it to a 10, so guess I'll be out there with Eliza
Well put. She sounds quite innocent and raw while her words are as wise as her years.
Check my math. She was 70 when she released this. Artists don't retire.
kanabeanz wrote:
I see what you mean about the vocal tone. I quite like this one: Ellen and the Escapades - This Ace I've Burned
Nice...it was playing in the background and it reminded me of Ellen & The Escapades - a little know and now disbanded UK group. Same vocal tone - quite enchanting and haunting.
I see what you mean about the vocal tone. I quite like this one: Ellen and the Escapades - This Ace I've Burned
Greymane96 wrote:
For what, exactly? Curious.
c.
This song is propaganda.
c.
This song is propaganda.
❤️
check out Bristlecone Pine on
from her Songs From the River Wind release
from her Songs From the River Wind release
aonley wrote: This song - the opposite of "on fire"
sunward wrote:This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
I was ticked when I read aonley's remark. Then, listening once more to Eliza's touching lament/call to action, I could see that, although she is deeply saddened by the state of affairs in our world---"We're on fire"---she is calling on a higher power (her angel choir):
"To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street."
Here's what she says about it: "'Promises to Keep' was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change."
aonley, I'm hoping that you might listen again to the song and perhaps glimpse why she has been crying in the dark of night--and yet--has promises to keep. I've upped it to a 10, so guess I'll be out there with Eliza
sunward wrote:This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
I was ticked when I read aonley's remark. Then, listening once more to Eliza's touching lament/call to action, I could see that, although she is deeply saddened by the state of affairs in our world---"We're on fire"---she is calling on a higher power (her angel choir):
"To put some wings upon my feet
Fill me up with inspiration's fire
And get me out into the street."
Here's what she says about it: "'Promises to Keep' was written as an affirmation of my commitment to get involved in the struggle for human decency at a critical time in history, utilizing the imagery of fire to describe our drought-ridden and dangerously polarized world, to inspire like-minded souls into action, to fire ourselves up to form strong bonds and community so that we can resist complacency and demagoguery and rise above the worst aspects of human nature. Although we bought ourselves some time with this latest election, much will be required of us in the immediate future to affect real systemic change."
aonley, I'm hoping that you might listen again to the song and perhaps glimpse why she has been crying in the dark of night--and yet--has promises to keep. I've upped it to a 10, so guess I'll be out there with Eliza
aonley wrote:
This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
This song - the opposite of "on fire"
This is a lament for the planet. What tempo do you think it should be?
Kudos Für Eliza.
I'm not a big fan of comparing a singer to another singers, but every time I hear this I think it's Tom McRae 
First time I got to know Ms. Wilkyson was from „Is It Like Today“, her interpretation of the World Party song which I liked very much. Glad to see she is well and still active. (Thanks to Radio Paradise where I learned about so many artists)
aonley wrote:
Yeah, if this is the "on fire" part of something, it's on the way down the backside of it.
This song - the opposite of "on fire"
Yeah, if this is the "on fire" part of something, it's on the way down the backside of it.
This song - the opposite of "on fire"
I think the most surprising thing is that she recorded this at the age of 70. She sounds much younger than that.
Thank you Eliza. Nicely done.
Jayesea wrote:
Thanks! Now posted.
Came across the lyrics online:
Thanks! Now posted.
The fact that each verse begins with "I've" makes this song very similar to Shawn Colvin's cover of Van Morrison's 'Someone Like You'; they sound quite similar, too.
TimNH wrote:
Not great. The lyrics sound strangely familiar. I wonder if she is a fan of Robert Frost. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Or Jiminy Cricket...Let your conscience be your guide- ?-)
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
Lame. Not on fire.
“‘On Fire“ baby!!!’ ~ you sure are! Like .... ....
Mellow campfire embers glowing by just right, out bush somewhere in nature .,.
westslope wrote:
I've seen her a few times, closer than that! She opened for Loudon Wainwright III at The Cactus Cafe, a legendary small spot in the UT student union. Loudo was good and all, but Ms. Gilkyson was the star that night.
c.
Man, this really grows with subsequent listens. I can picture myself about 3 metres from the artist in a coffee house.
c.
This is fine.
"Thoughts and prayers will never make things right"
I'm not sure truer words have been spoken.
I'm not sure truer words have been spoken.
Man, this really grows with subsequent listens. I can picture myself about 3 metres from the artist in a coffee house.
ratbbb2 wrote:
Sounds nothing like Laura Marling, which is a good thing IMO.
Like it, sounds a lot like Laura Marling to me which is a good thing IMO
Sounds nothing like Laura Marling, which is a good thing IMO.
ratbbb2 wrote:
Nothing against Ms. Marling, but Ms. Gilkyson is 70.
Seen her several times, always powerful. Check out 'Hiway 9' - about a supply road in Iraq - on "Land of Milk and Honey".
c.
Like it, sounds a lot like Laura Marling to me which is a good thing IMO
Nothing against Ms. Marling, but Ms. Gilkyson is 70.
Seen her several times, always powerful. Check out 'Hiway 9' - about a supply road in Iraq - on "Land of Milk and Honey".
c.
Like it, sounds a lot like Laura Marling to me which is a good thing IMO
Not sure if this song or Ani DiFranco's 'Do or Die' sum up 2020 better?
Hmph. Never heard of her, but I have now, thank you very much.
Nice...it was playing in the background and it reminded me of Ellen & The Escapades - a little know and now disbanded UK group. Same vocal tone - quite enchanting and haunting.
Can't understand the lyrics, cause i'm a frenzy, but
i do feel the meaning of to be on fire now.
Thanks Eliza.
The jacket make me think of the evenments in Nice there's a few years ago...
i do feel the meaning of to be on fire now.
Thanks Eliza.
The jacket make me think of the evenments in Nice there's a few years ago...
I am really enjoying this new material. Glad Bill has it in rotation.
She's always done topical stuff, this is quite timely, sadly.
c.
She's always done topical stuff, this is quite timely, sadly.
c.
derhey9416 wrote:
Had to bump to a 9. It grows on you...and she doesn't sing like she's 70, whatever that means...
First time i heard this song, gave it a 9 too
Had to bump to a 9. It grows on you...and she doesn't sing like she's 70, whatever that means...
First time i heard this song, gave it a 9 too
derhey9416 wrote:
Had to bump to a 9. It grows on you...and she doesn't sing like she's 70, whatever that means...
Another welcome addition, Thanks Bill & Rebecca!
Had to bump to a 9. It grows on you...and she doesn't sing like she's 70, whatever that means...
Not great. The lyrics sound strangely familiar. I wonder if she is a fan of Robert Frost.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
yuel wrote:
... voice
unspectacular but quite beautiful...
... voice
Nice song, and i like the harmonica.
unspectacular but quite beautiful...
Another welcome addition, Thanks Bill & Rebecca!