PLACEBO & MICHAEL STIPE – Broken Promise (2006)

“Broken Promise” is a song by Placebo featuring Michael Stipe, the lead singer of R.E.M. It appears on Meds (2006), Placebo’s fifth studio album. The track stands out for its melancholic and haunting atmosphere, built around a dynamic vocal interplay between Brian Molko and Stipe.

“Broken Promise” is a dramatic and emotionally charged ballad that revolves around themes of betrayal, regret, and disillusionment in a relationship. The lyrics convey a sense of unfulfilled expectations and pain, reinforced by Molko’s anguished delivery and Stipe’s sorrowful, mature tone. Their contrasting vocal styles—Molko’s sharp, almost pleading voice and Stipe’s deep, melancholic resonance—create an eerie and haunting effect.

Musically, the song features a slow, brooding arrangement with a build-up that intensifies as the emotions escalate. The instrumental is relatively restrained, allowing the vocal performance to take center stage.

Collaboration with Michael Stipe. Michael Stipe’s presence on the track adds depth and gravity. As a longtime admirer of R.E.M., Molko considered Stipe an inspiration, making the collaboration a significant moment for Placebo. Stipe’s contribution enhances the song’s emotional weight, giving it a sense of sorrowful finality.

They rise above this They cry about this As we live and learn A broken promise I was not honest Now I watch as tables turn And you’re singing

I’ll wait my turn To tear inside you Watch you burn I’ll wait my turn I’ll wait my turn

I’ll cry about this And hide my cuckled eyes As you come off all concerned And I’ll find no solace In your poor apology In your regret that sounds absurd And keep singing

I’ll wait my turn To tear inside you Watch you burn And I’ll wait my turn To terrorize you Watch you burn And I’ll wait my turn I’ll wait my turn

And this is a promise Promise is a promise [Repeats]

And I’ll wait my turn To tear inside you Watch you burn I’ll wait my turn I’ll wait my turn

A broken promise You were not honest I’ll bide my time I’ll wait my turn