She first gained recognition at the age of 10, when she appeared on the television show Star Search and performed in concert alongside Gladys Knight. At the age of 12, Aaliyah signed with Jive Records and her uncle Barry Hankerson's Blackground Records. She released her debut album, Age Ain't Nothing but a Number the album sold three million copies in the United States and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry.
Aaliyah worked with record producers Timbaland and Missy Elliott for her second album, One in a Million, which sold three million copies in the United States and more than eight million copies worldwide. In 2000, Aaliyah appeared in her first film, Romeo Must Die. She contributed to the film's soundtrack, which spawned the single "Try Again". The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 solely on airplay, making Aaliyah the first artist in Billboard history to achieve this goal. After completing Romeo Must Die, Aaliyah filmed her role in Queen of the Damned, and released, in 2001, her self-titled third and final studio album, which topped the Billboard 200. Unfortunately, the 22 year old singer's life was tragically cut short in a 2001 plane crash after filming her video for "Rock The Boat" in The Bahamas.
Aaliyah became famous in her own right during the mid-1990s with several hit records from the songwriting/production team of Missy Elliott and Timbaland, and their associate Steve "Static" Garrett. Notable for recording several hit singles, including "One in A Million" and "Try Again", Aaliyah has sold over 32 million records total worldwide, including posthumous releases. Two posthumous albums have been released since Haughton's death: I Care 4 U in December 2002, and Ultimate Aaliyah in April 2005, the latter of which was released as a box set that included her greatest hits and a documentary on her life. Haughton also ventured outside of music, modeling for Tommy Hilfiger and starring in two motion pictures (Romeo Must Die & Queen of The Damned) before her untimely death.
Try Again
Aaliyah Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, step to, step to, freaky, freaky)
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, step to, freaky, freaky, freaky, baby girl, uh)
What would you do to get to me?
Would you give it up or try again?
If I hesitate to let you in?
Now would you be yourself or play a role?
Tell all the boys or keep it low?
If I say no, would you turn away
Or play me off or would you stay? Oh
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
Then dust yourself off, and try again
You can dust it off and try again, try again
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
You can dust it off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again (again, again)
I'm into you, you into me
But I can't let it go, so easily
Not 'til I see, what this could be
Could be eternity, or just a week
You know our chemistry, it's off the chain
It's perfect now, but will it change?
This ain't a yes, this ain't a no
Just do your thang, we'll see how it goes, ohh
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
(Yeah) then dust yourself off, and try again (again)
You can dust it off and try again, try again (hey)
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed, ooh)
You can dust it off and try again (try again)
Dust yourself off and try again (yeah), try again
See you don't wanna throw it all away
I might be shy on the first day
What about the next day?
Huh, huh, huh, huh
I said, you don't wanna throw it all away (yeah)
I might be buggin' on the first day
But what about the next day (yeah)?
Huh (huh), huh, huh (huh), huh (ohh)
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
Then dust yourself off, and try again
You can dust it off and try again, try again
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
You can dust it off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again (again, again)
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed, yeah)
Then dust yourself off (you can), and try again (again)
You can dust it off and try again, try again
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed, ohh)
You can dust it off and try again (again)
Dust yourself off and try again (yeah), try again (again, again)
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed, no)
Then dust yourself off, and try again (again)
You can dust it off and try again ('gain), try again
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed, baby)
You can dust it off (yeah) and try again (yeah)
Dust yourself off and try again, try again (again, again)
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, what? Step to, step to, freaky, freaky)
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, what? Uh, Step to, step to, freaky, freaky)
(It's been a long time)
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
Then dust yourself off, and try again
You can dust it off and try again, try again
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
You can dust it off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again (again, again)
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, what? Step to, step to, freaky, freaky, woo)
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, what? Step to, step to, freaky, freaky)
We out
One more thing
The new millennium, baby
And we out
You guess who it is
The song "Try Again" by Aaliyah is about the challenges and uncertainty of a potential new relationship. The lyrics explore the question of how far someone is willing to go to pursue a relationship with Aaliyah, what actions they will take, and whether they will give up or try again if the first attempt is unsuccessful. The song expresses the idea that perseverance and determination are key to succeeding in relationships, as evidenced by the chorus, which urges listeners to dust themselves off and try again in the face of failure.
The song's first verse introduces the idea that it has been a long time since Aaliyah has had a "dope beat to step to," a metaphor for feeling inspired and energized by a new romantic relationship. The second verse delves deeper into the uncertainties and doubts expressed in the song, as Aaliyah questions whether the potential suitor will stick around if she hesitates, if they will be genuine or play a role, and if they will be able to accept rejection and try again.
The chorus, which repeats throughout the song, reinforces the idea that trying again is crucial to success in relationships. The bridge of the song explores the chemistry between the potential partners and the possibility that it could be either a lasting relationship or a brief fling, leaving the outcome up in the air.
Overall, "Try Again" is a song that speaks to the doubts and insecurities that anyone can feel when pursuing a new relationship. It encourages listeners to persevere through the uncertainties and maintain hope for a successful outcome.
Line by Line Meaning
It's been a long time (long time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, step to, step to, freaky, freaky)
It's been ages since Aaliyah last released a new song, and now that she's back, she's reminding her fans that she's still got it, and they can count on her to deliver a fresh, funky beat for them to jam to.
What would you do to get to me?
What would you say to have your way?
Would you give it up or try again?
If I hesitate to let you in?
Now would you be yourself or play a role?
Tell all the boys or keep it low?
If I say no, would you turn away
Or play me off or would you stay? Oh
Aaliyah's asking her potential suitor a series of questions, testing his commitment to pursue her. She's curious about what he's willing to do to win her over and whether he'll be true to himself or put on an act just to impress her. She's not sure about him yet and needs to know whether he's in it for the right reasons or just playing games.
And if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
Then dust yourself off, and try again
You can dust it off and try again, try again
'Cause if at first you don't succeed (first you don't succeed)
You can dust it off and try again
Dust yourself off and try again, try again (again, again)
This chorus is like a mantra, repeating the message that no matter how many times you fail, you shouldn't give up on your dreams or your pursuit of love. Instead, you should pick yourself up and try again, with renewed hope and determination.
I'm into you, you into me
But I can't let it go, so easily
Not 'til I see, what this could be
Could be eternity, or just a week
You know our chemistry, it's off the chain
It's perfect now, but will it change?
This ain't a yes, this ain't a no
Just do your thang, we'll see how it goes, ohh
Here, Aaliyah is expressing her interest in her suitor, but she's also cautious about starting a relationship. She wants to make sure that they're compatible and that their connection is genuine and not just fleeting. She's not making any promises, but she's willing to give it a try and see what happens.
See you don't wanna throw it all away
I might be shy on the first day
What about the next day?
Huh, huh, huh, huh
I said, you don't wanna throw it all away (yeah)
I might be buggin' on the first day
But what about the next day (yeah)?
Huh (huh), huh, huh (huh), huh (ohh)
In this verse, Aaliyah is warning her suitor not to rush into things or give up too easily if they run into any obstacles or challenges. She's also acknowledging her own nerves and anxiety about getting to know someone new, but she's hoping that they can both hang in there and give each other a chance to see if there's potential for a future together.
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, what? Step to, step to, freaky, freaky, woo)
Aaliyah is again highlighting the fact that it's been a while since she's released any new music, and she's bringing back her signature sound that her fans have been missing. She's giving them a fresh, funky beat to dance to and enjoy.
It's been a long time (time) we shouldn't left you (left you)
Without a dope beat to step to
(Step to, step to, step to, what? Step to, step to, freaky, freaky)
This repeated line is essentially the same as the first one, serving as a bookend to the song and reminding listeners that Aaliyah is back with a bang and ready to keep the party going.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Timothy Mosley, Stephen Garrett
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@patriciaricaurtezecha5626
I think she would have been greater than Beyoncé. Just my opinion. Classier for sure.
@jennb1562
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
@nhfire83
💯💯💯💯
@sylviabranch4201
I know and I agree with you
@adamsalas5816
Your right she would have been better the b
@michaelguerin4618
She is greater than Beyonce
@user-mr7mb9uy5w
Aaliyah's swag is unmatched. Even 20 years later........ There will never be another.
@SOULarLioness
Come through with these FACTS!!!!
@dripqueen8630
She will always be a legend
@dripqueen8630
Facts