Bacchanalia Magazine

by Reb Jordin

Yasmin Coe, a Manchester based indie singer songwriter, recently released her third single ‘Promise Not To Care’, on February 23rd. Coe has described this song as being her most vulnerable yet and a huge shift from the likes of her other two singles ‘No Hope’ and ‘Doubt’. ‘Promise Not To Care’ is a beautifully raw song which is personal to Coe as she reflects on her own life experiences whilst also giving the listener an artistic outlet to reflect on their similar experiences too. Coe says she wrote this song for the version of herself that needed to heal, and it is evident that in producing these carefully crafted lyrics she has brought some closure to both herself and her devoted listeners.

‘Promise Not To Care’ begins with the haunting tones of a slow paced electric guitar. The opening notes feel distant and almost distorted as if you are laying in the depths of a deep body of water. The songs beginning intrigues the listener until they are consumed by it, foreshadowing the message of the song which is to be cautious not to be consumed by a person you can’t put your full trust in. The standout lyrics, ‘you call me your darling as long as I promise not to care’ are repeated multiple times, reinforcing the fact that you can’t always rely on the people you care deeply about because some people will blur the lines between love and manipulation without you even realising it.

Coe’s single continues and builds into the lyrics, ‘a modern story for the ages, but with torn and absent pages’ referring to a negative relationship that could often be disguised as something idyllic and passionate until you realise you are being gaslit into believing a love story that never was. ‘Promise Not To Care’ spreads its wings into the powerful lyrics in the chorus, ‘for once I’d like to break your heart’. The listener witnesses Coe break free from blinding infatuation which held her in the chains of a toxic relationship inspiring them to take flight away from such a painful and traumatising experience too. A cacophony of commanding piano keys and the hum of ethereal strings adds to the build up of emotion within this soul-baring song.

The single closes with the heartbreaking lyrics, ‘of course I would’ reminding the listener that Coe and even maybe themselves would do anything for a person who is aware of the control they hold over you so will abuse that power for their own twisted benefit leaving you as a shell of what you once were.

Born from this intimate song will be a crowd of listeners who are taught you can’t always assume the best in people because some people will never be as good or as kind as you are. Coe also reminds the listener that you shouldn’t blame yourself for the cruel thing’s others might put you through. A sense of catharsis is created by the end of the song as the listener realises, they are not alone in their struggles and their struggles are not their fault.

So go and give ‘Promise Not To Care’ a listen now and experience this vulnerable and beautiful song first hand.

Photos by Konstantina Mavrommati.