Trying Times
Bobby Caldwell Lyrics


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Ordinary people living ordinary lives
Each with their own problems
SOme who never will survive
It's hard to get ahead
And not commit some kind of crime
In these trying times

Lately I've been taking stock of what is dear to me
Please don't ask me how but up till now I've failed to see
You're the only reason I haven't lost my mind
In these trying times

And the world has a way of making life a grind
Till all you want to do is lay your head down
And if we stick together on this uphill climb
It's for sure gonna make it
In these trying times

Ordinary people have to bear the heavy load
Who can keep their balance
Travelling such a troubled road
You're the only reason I take it all in stride
In these trying times

And the world has a way of making life a grind
Till all you want to do is lay your head down
And if we stick together on this uphill climb
It's for sure gonna make it
In these trying times

You're the only reason I take it all in stride




I thought I ought to tell you so
In these trying times

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Bobby Caldwell's "Trying Times" reflect on the struggles of average people in the face of challenging circumstances. The song seems to be an acknowledgement of the difficulties faced by the ordinary working people who struggle to make ends meet, pay their bills, and deal with their problems every day, while trying to keep their heads above water. The line "It's hard to get ahead and not commit some kind of crime" highlights the plight of individuals who are trying to do the right thing but find themselves cornered by the realities of their situation. The song also highlights the idea that people need each other to survive during trying times.


The song becomes more personal when Caldwell turns to his own struggles in the second verse. In this verse, he reflects on the fact that he has been taking stock of his life and the things that matter most to him. He acknowledges that he has failed to see some of the people and things that are most important before. He then goes on to declare that it is the presence of the one that he loves that keeps him sane during these tough times.


In essence, the song is a call to unity and resilience during difficult times. Caldwell emphasizes the importance of sticking together and supporting each other to make it through hard times. The song's melody and Caldwell's soulful voice add emotion and depth to the lyrics and make it a powerful message for anyone struggling to keep their heads above water in trying circumstances.


Line by Line Meaning

Ordinary people living ordinary lives
There are people living their lives normally, with their own personal issues.


Each with their own problems
Every individual has their unique struggles and predicaments.


Some who never will survive
Some people may face such extreme difficulties that they may not be able to endure it.


It's hard to get ahead
It's difficult to prosper in life and make progress.


And not commit some kind of crime
Being in a difficult situation can lead people to do things they wouldn't normally do, even if it's illegal.


In these trying times
These are challenging times.


Lately I've been taking stock of what is dear to me
I've been reflecting on what is important to me.


Please don't ask me how but up till now I've failed to see
I don't know how, but I previously wasn't able to realize it before now.


You're the only reason I haven't lost my mind
You're the only thing that's keeping me sane in these challenging times.


And the world has a way of making life a grind
The world has a tendency to make life feel like a constant struggle.


Till all you want to do is lay your head down
It can get to the point where all you want to do is give up and rest.


And if we stick together on this uphill climb
If we support each other as we navigate these difficult circumstances,


It's for sure gonna make it
We are definitely going to get through it.


You're the only reason I take it all in stride
You help me handle all of life's challenges with ease.


I thought I ought to tell you so
I think it's important that I express my gratitude towards you.


In these trying times
During these difficult circumstances.




Contributed by Camden P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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