Promise Ain't Enough
Daryl Hall · Other Songs - Daryl Hall
You're afraid from the start
That a new love's gonna let you down
There is something you should know
Before you give up and go
I don't believe in the run around
I just want to define myself
And show you how you feel
[Chorus]
If a promise ain't enough
Then a touch says everything
Got to hold you in my arms
Till you feel what I mean
Know that my heart just tells me what to say
But words can only prove so much
If a promise ain't enough
Hold onto my love
Though my words can't describe
How I'm feeling all inside
Does my touch says anything to you
I'm not afraid to take time
Cause I'll know you'll find
That I'm real and my touch is true
It's taken a lifetime to find my heart
And I give it all you
[Chorus]
It took a lifetime to find what I want
I won't let it get away
[Chorus]
Promise Ain't Enough
Daryl Hall's 'Promise Ain't Enough' stands as a defining track from his early solo career, capturing the raw vulnerability of heartbreak before his signature smooth R&B and soulful style fully matured. Released in the late 1970s, the song reflects the transitional period where Hall began to carve out a distinct identity separate from his earlier work with O'Jays and his later mainstream hits. The recording showcases his characteristic baritone voice, delivering a message of disillusionment that resonated deeply with audiences seeking authentic emotional expression. As a key component of his discography, the track exemplifies the blend of rock and R&B that would become his hallmark, influencing countless artists in the soft rock and adult contemporary genres. Its enduring popularity highlights Hall's ability to translate personal sorrow into universal anthems that have remained relevant across decades.