Promiseland sees Mika in open dialogue, if not an outright argument, with God. The song expresses anger at Christianity’s rejection of the LGBT community, and his feelings of being ignored by God. It also expresses his own exhaustion in forcing himself into a role he doesn’t fit.
[Verse 1]
I was born in that summer when the sun didn't shine
I was given the name that doesn't feel like it's mine
Lived my life as the good boy I was told I should be
Prayed every night to a religion that was chosen for me
[Pre-Chorus]
Sold my soul, broke my bones
Tell me what did I get?
Did my time, toed the line
Ain't seen anything yet
Strike me down to the ground
You know I've seen it before
Make it hurt, I'll eat the dirt
I just don't care anymore
[Chorus]
How could you break my heart?
Already played my part
I kept my promise, man
Show me the promiseland
Don't occupy my throne
Give me the crown I own
Lived like you told me how
Look at me now
I've got no money in my pocket
And the whole world's bringing me down
And the whole world's bringing me down
[Verse 2]
One person's lie is just another man's truth
We kept on running from the devil but the devil was you
Every time I see the light I'm falling deeper in debt
If I've never seen the good how can it come to amend
[Pre-Chorus]
Sold my soul, broke my bones
Tell me what did I get?
Did my time, toed the line
Ain't seen anything yet
Strike me down to the ground
You know I've seen it before
Make it hurt, I'll eat the dirt
I just don't care anymore
[Chorus]
How could you break my heart?
Already played my part
I kept my promise, man
Show me the promiseland
Don't occupy my throne
Give me the crown I own
Lived like you told me how
Look at me now
I've got no money in my pocket
And the whole world's bringing me down
And the whole world's bringing me down
And the whole world's bringing me down
[Outro]
How could you break my heart?
Already played my part
I kept my promise, man
Show me the promised land
Don't occupy my throne
Give me the crown I own
Lived like you told me how
Look at me now
Promiseland (Bonus Track) was written by MIKA & Skyler Stonestreet & CJ Baran.
Promiseland (Bonus Track) was produced by Greg Wells & MIKA.
MIKA released Promiseland (Bonus Track) on Mon Jun 15 2015.