Promise To Try

Album: Like A Prayer (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is written from the perspective of Madonna's younger self. It deals with Madonna's mother (who died of breast cancer at age 36 when Madonna was just five years old), but also incorporates the voice of her father and herself talking to her.
  • Like most songs on the album, Madonna wrote this with Patrick Leonard, who also produced the track.
  • Madonna considers this a companion song to another track on the album, "Oh, Father," which she also wrote with Patrick Leonard.
  • This song can be heard in Madonna's documentary Truth Or Dare when Madonna visits her mother's grave.

Comments: 2

  • Rabbit Bunny from Westminster MdAgree with Theresa on this one! Promise to Try is the most beautiful in the English language! Madonna is crying in this sad ballad!
  • Theresa from Murfreesboro, TnThis song made me cry the first time I heard it. Madonna is at her best when she lets her guard down.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Don Felder

Don FelderSongwriter Interviews

Don breaks down "Hotel California" and other songs he wrote as a member of the Eagles. Now we know where the "warm smell of colitas" came from.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Emilio Castillo from Tower of Power

Emilio Castillo from Tower of PowerSongwriter Interviews

Emilio talks about what it's like to write and perform with the Tower of Power horns, and why every struggling band should have a friend like Huey Lewis.