Stages Song Stories vol. 4 – Promise in the Pain

Howdy frans! I thought it’d be fun to do a series on the stories behind the tracks on Stages (be sure to download the album for FREE if you haven’t already!). It IS a concept album after all. It tells the story of a failed relationship from a very personal perspective. Today’s track – “Promise in the Pain”.

Previous Song Stories:
Stages Song Stories vol. 1 – BTW/Love Will Find Me 
Stages Song Stories vol. 2 – The One That Got Away 
Stages Song Stories vol. 3 – All In/Questions  

Promise in the Pain (Stage 5 – post-breakup; recovery)

This is the mopey song.

It can seem so tough when trying to get over a breakup. You may feel like there is no one else out there for you. That’s a funny thought to me because there are MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS of available people. What are the odds that you missed out on the ONE person out there for you? I personally believe that everyone can be compatible with MANY different people. The key is to be confident. Be yourself around everyone, regardless of whether or not you are considering him/her as a potential romantic partner. Never try and be someone else (how fair would it be to either person? You would be miserable, constantly putting on a show. And your person would be falling for someone that doesn’t really exist).

The thing is, your brain may already know these things. But in times of great sadness, your heart may not agree. My favorite lyric on this record is in this tune: “Although I always seem to find that my heart cannot read my mind, I know it’s true”. Never let your emotions cloud your sound judgment. It’s easier said than done, but always remember the cliché that time heals all wounds. There is hope; a light at the end of the tunnel.

This tune uses the patented “Matt Adler” guitar tuning. Take the B string and detune it to an A. Then use all of your normal A voicings but NEVER touch the highest two strings. Such janglyyyy. I also like how the chorus progression keeps moving and never really rests on any particular chord. It was tough to get a melody to work over it, but I really like how it came out. The washy electric guitars on the bridge are also neato.

Lyrics:

I don’t mind that I don’t matter
Because you don’t matter any more to me
I tell myself so I’ll feel better
But the fact of the whole matter is
I don’t feel that way at all

But I know there’s a promise in the pain
There is hope the sun will follow the rain
Although I always seem to find
that my heart cannot read my mind
I know, I know it’s true

It’s okay, I’ll be just fine
I’ll say it once, I’ll say it twice
so I just might believe
It’s okay, I’ll be just fine
‘Cause what’s to come will blow my mind
Yes, I believe it

‘Cause I know there’s a promise in the pain
There is hope the sun will follow the rain
Although I always seem to find
that my heart cannot read my mind
I know it’s true

I lay awake at night
A sight for sore eyes
Nervously biting my fingers
The feeling lingers
But this too will pass

‘Cause I know there’s a promise in the pain
There is hope the sun will follow the rain
Although I always seem to find
that my heart cannot read my mind
I know, I know
I know, I know it’s true

This too will pass

About the Stages EP: Practically everyone has experienced a failed romantic relationship. At every phase of Matt Adler’s own past failed relationship, he wrote a song. These tunes have been compiled into an indie rock EP – Stages. Through this album, the listener is able to gain insight into all phases: contentment and non-expectation, excitement and relational discovery, enamor, the end, bitterness, recovery, confidence in the future, and hope.

So many folks are in similar seasons of life. The hope and prayer is that these songs can speak to people, wherever they may be. It’s important to realize that you are not alone. You are never the only person that goes through something. And ultimately, for most, only one dating experience will ever actually be a success. It’s the failures that make you more aware of what you do need and want for your life. Your person is out there, living his/her life right now. You’re not going to miss him/her, so be patient and know that you are loved.

Best friends came together to arrange this album and to define a brand new sound, infusing indie rock and organic elements with electronic drums and soundscapes. Fans of Gungor, Imagine Dragons, The Afters, and Muse will enjoy this album. Download the album for FREE here!