For day 11 of analyzing a song every day until BTS’ concert in Tampa, I chose “Promise” by Jimin. This song is one that I don’t believe will be performed in person at the concert however, I do hope it will be. But no matter whether it is performed live or not, “Promise” will always serve as a song that has a very interesting meaning; one that many should understand and take to heart.

Overall, if looking at the song objectively, a person can understand the lyrics as addressing a relationship that is not working out for either party. The lines, “You’re hurting me too…” and “We’re drifting apart again,” express that discord between the two parties of the relationship (Pre-Chorus). Jimin then provides a beautiful answer to the situation; the answer that each party can’t continuously overextend themselves and use the relationship as their only source for their happiness. Instead, they should be their own light (Chorus).

This answer to the situation found in Promise is one that is a necessary one. A relationship cannot work if both parties only find fulfilment in each other and absolutely nothing else. Instead, it will only make the relationship worse and both parties will become miserable. If a person finds themself first, and learns how to have fun with their own company, the pressure a relationship can have if that is not the case can be released.

You have to be happy with yourself and comfortable with yourself in order to for a relationship with another person to prosper. It is this message and idea that Jimin runs home; a message one should always retain in their hearts. I feel like this is one of the reasons why “Promise” is such a lovely song, the lyrics teach you a valuable life lesson while a comforting guitar melody supports it.

NOTE: I accessed the “Promise” by Jimin (English Translation) by Genius English Translations hyperlinked in this article on January 25th, 2026 in order to assist in writing this article. Special thanks to Genius for their accessible translations.