No Promises (feat. Demi Lovato)

At its core, No Promises is an exploration of modern romance and the suffocating nature of expectations. The song delves into the paradox that sometimes the best way to preserve a connection is to completely remove the pressure of defining its future.

The narrative focuses on two individuals who are intensely drawn to one another. They recognize the undeniable chemistry between them, but they are also profoundly aware of how human nature tends to overcomplicate love. Matthew Russell of Cheat Codes explained that the concept revolves around the idea that "we don't own the people in our relationships" and that "nothing's guaranteed". By demanding no promises, the characters are actively rejecting the traditional milestones and possessive vows that often accompany a new relationship.

Instead, the song advocates for living entirely in the present moment. It suggests that by giving each other the space to be the best versions of themselves without the looming anxiety of "forever," a relationship has a better chance of thriving naturally. The underlying message is that love is an inherently risky endeavor—a blind dive into deep water—and the most honest approach is to acknowledge that unpredictability, proceed with care, and cherish the current magic before overthinking has the chance to ruin it.

A profound sense of vulnerability opens the narrative, as the protagonist compares the sudden, intense onset of romantic feelings to a visceral physical sensation—being cut like a knife, feeling it deep within the bones. This sharp, inescapable emotion signifies a love that hits harder than expected, resembling a habit that is impossible to break. Rather than resisting this overpowering draw, there is a mutual, daring urge to plunge into the unknown. This leap of faith is likened to diving into deep water where the bottom remains entirely obscured, highlighting both the danger and the exhilaration of new love. The individuals stand on the precipice of a profound connection, recognizing how incredibly easy it is to fall rapidly for one another. Yet, amidst this free-fall, there is a shared, unspoken hope that they will be there to catch each other when gravity takes hold.

However, recognizing the complexities of human relationships, a strong sense of caution intertwines with this reckless abandonment. They acknowledge that love is far from simple and that the typical expectations and vows that come with a new romance often serve only to ruin the magic. To protect the purity of what they are experiencing in the present moment, they make a conscious, paradox-driven pact: they demand that no promises be made. By stripping away the pressure of guaranteed futures and eternal commitments, they create a safe space for the relationship to breathe.

As the narrative progresses, moments of doubt and introspection arise. The deep emotional investment leads to questioning whether they are truly meant to be together or if this is just a fleeting encounter. Despite the uncertainty of their ultimate destiny, the desire to remain in the present overpowers the fear of the future. The repeated plea to be careful serves as a gentle reminder of their mutual fragility. Ultimately, the story is one of embracing the present, choosing the thrill of the dive over the safety of the shore, and finding profound intimacy in the agreement to simply exist together without the heavy anchor of tomorrow's obligations.

The origins of No Promises can be traced back to December 2016, when the Los Angeles-based DJ trio Cheat Codes and pop superstar Demi Lovato both performed at a music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Following the event, an influx of fans took to social media, expressing a strong desire to hear a collaboration between the two acts.

At the time, Cheat Codes was already developing the instrumental and conceptual outline for the track. Recognizing the unique synergy, Matthew Russell of Cheat Codes stated that Lovato was their absolute first choice for the vocal feature. They sent the demo to her, and she felt an immediate connection to the track's theme. Lovato then took the initiative to tweak some of the lyrics, ensuring the words resonated with her own personal experiences, which brought a highly authentic emotional weight to her studio recording.

The songwriting team was a powerhouse collaboration that included Cheat Codes members (Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russell, and Kevin Ford), Demi Lovato, indie-pop artist Lauv (Ari Leff), and the songwriting duo Loote (Jackson Foote and Emma Block). Production was equally collaborative, helmed by Trevor Dahl, Lauv, Jackson Foote, and Max Borghetti, with Mitch Allan serving as the dedicated vocal producer for Lovato's powerful delivery. The official music video was directed by Hannah Lux Davis and filmed in a desolate, post-apocalyptic rural area outside of Los Angeles.

The lyrical landscape of No Promises relies heavily on visceral imagery and spatial metaphors to depict the overwhelming sensation of falling in love.

• The Knife and the Bone: The opening lines, "Cut me up like a knife / And I feel it, deep in my bones," symbolize the sudden, penetrating, and almost painful shock of a new romance. It illustrates that true emotional connection bypasses the superficial and strikes at the very core of a person's being.
• Diving into Uncharted Water: The recurring metaphor of the pre-chorus, "I just wanna dive in the water, with you / Baby, we can't see the bottom," acts as an allegory for taking a blind leap of faith. The water represents the unknown depths of a relationship, while the inability to see the bottom signifies the absence of a guaranteed safe landing.
• The Paradox of the Promise: The central phrase "Promise me no promises" is a paradoxical symbol. It represents a defensive mechanism to shield the fragile present from the crushing weight of future expectations. By refusing traditional vows, the singers are symbolically pledging to maintain the purity and freedom of their current state.

The emotional background of the track is a captivating blend of euphoric excitement and underlying tension.

On the surface, the bright tropical house production, soaring synthesizers, and energetic vocal deliveries project a mood of joy, hope, and summer romance. However, the lyrical content is steeped in caution, fear of the future, and vulnerability. This duality creates a complex emotional landscape where the listener feels the thrilling rush of falling in love simultaneously with the nervous apprehension of potential heartbreak.

As the song progresses, the emotion shifts from a hesitant, tentative opening into a cathartic, fully surrendered dance break, perfectly capturing the arc of giving in to a terrifying but beautiful connection.

Upon its release in the spring of 2017, No Promises quickly established itself as a massive commercial success and a defining summer anthem.

The track achieved significant chart performance, reaching number one in Israel, the Top 10 in several countries including Latvia, Malaysia, and Poland, and cracking the Top 20 in the UK, Australia, and Ireland. In the United States, it became a massive pop radio staple and peaked within the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song's enduring popularity is evidenced by its multi-platinum certifications across the globe, including in the US and the UK.

Culturally, the song cemented Cheat Codes' status as premier hitmakers in the electronic-pop crossover space. For Demi Lovato, it showcased her incredible vocal versatility, proving her ability to seamlessly transition from pop-rock and R&B into the mainstream EDM landscape. A critically acclaimed acoustic piano version of the track was later featured on the deluxe edition of Lovato's album Tell Me You Love Me, highlighting the song's strong foundational songwriting and emotional message.

The rhyme scheme of No Promises largely fluctuates between AABB and ABAB patterns, often relying on slant rhymes to keep the flow conversational and modern.

For example, in the pre-chorus, "water" and "bottom" are paired with "other" and "another." This loose rhyming structure mirrors the song's theme of avoiding strict rules and rigid expectations, feeling natural and unforced.

Rhythmically, the song is anchored in a 4/4 time signature with a tempo that perfectly straddles the line between a mid-tempo ballad and a club anthem. The vocal delivery utilizes a highly syncopated rhythm, especially in the chorus ("Oh na na, just be careful, na na"). This syncopation pushes and pulls against the steady electronic beat, mimicking the push-and-pull dynamic of a hesitant romance. The interplay between the rhythmic, staccato vocal phrasing and the smooth, swelling synthesizers builds a continuous sense of forward momentum.

Musically, No Promises is a quintessential example of the tropical house and dance-pop blend that dominated the late 2010s radio airwaves.

• Vocal Call and Response: The song employs a duet structure between Trevor Dahl and Demi Lovato. This stylistic choice frames the song as a mutual dialogue rather than a one-sided confession, emphasizing that both partners share the exact same fears and desires.
• Electronic Arrangements: The arrangement heavily utilizes syncopated synth-plucks, chopped vocal samples in the post-chorus drop, and a driving four-on-the-floor beat that provides an infectious, upbeat energy.
• Contrast and Irony: A key stylistic technique is the juxtaposition of the lyrical content with the musical tone. The lyrics deal with anxiety, caution, and the fear of the unknown, yet the instrumental is bright, summery, and euphoric. This contrast creates a bittersweet, emotionally complex listening experience.

What is the main meaning behind 'No Promises'?

The song explores the idea of enjoying a new romantic relationship without the pressure of strict expectations or future commitments. It emphasizes living in the present moment and giving each partner the space to be themselves, arguing that overthinking and making premature promises can ultimately ruin the magic of a genuine connection.

How did Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato end up collaborating on this track?

The collaboration was sparked after Cheat Codes and Demi Lovato performed at the same music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in December 2016. Fans expressed a strong desire to see them work together. Cheat Codes felt Lovato was the perfect fit for the track they were developing and sent it to her, which she instantly connected with.

What do the lyrics 'dive in the water' and 'can't see the bottom' signify?

These lyrics serve as a metaphor for the vulnerability and uncertainty of falling in love. Diving into water without seeing the bottom represents taking a leap of faith into a new relationship, fully aware of the risks and unknown emotional depths, yet choosing to embrace the exhilarating free-fall anyway.

Who are the writers and producers of 'No Promises'?

The song was written by Cheat Codes members Trevor Dahl, Matthew Russell, and Kevin Ford, alongside Demi Lovato, Lauv (Ari Leff), Emma Block, and Jackson Foote. Production was handled by Trevor Dahl, Lauv, Jackson Foote, and Max Borghetti, with Mitch Allan producing the vocal tracks.

Why did Demi Lovato change some of the original lyrics?

After Cheat Codes sent the initial demo of the song to Demi Lovato, she tweaked some of the lyrical content to better reflect her own personal experiences. This allowed her vocal delivery to come from an authentic and genuine place, adding a deeper emotional resonance to her performance on the track.