Promise me my soul to keep
And promise me you'll never sleep
And promise me that when it's over,
We will drink the whole world sober

Promise me that lines get drawn
Point no point to wish me well
Promise me there's no denying,
And you will stop to wish me well

Oh promise me

Promise me it'll all get done
And a lion's share of good will last
Promise me you'll turn away first,
And promise me you won't turn back

For all the years we kept on trying,
It wasn't 'cause we were scared to quit
Promise me there'll be no pity,
And promise me there'll be safer bets

Oh promise me
You won't make these promises

With calloused hands we forged this hammer,
Broke these rocks into equal parts
Sent the sparks, flyin' off the handle
Asked for nothing, but delivered much

Never were the main event,
Always played the sideshow tent
The drunken cowards came to look us over
Can you promise we did not belong there?

Oh promise me
You won't make these promises

Promise me the best you know
And promise me you'll break down slow
And when you find the nerve to quit,
Pass it 'round and we'll share in it

There is somethin' cruel about this,
But I know hopeful it's not far behind
What was unknown just hours ago,
Is now the killer with the angel's eye

Oh promise me X2