Elkie Brooks (born Elaine Bookbinder on 25 February 1945, Broughton, Salfor… Read Full Bio ↴Elkie Brooks (born Elaine Bookbinder on 25 February 1945, Broughton, Salford, England) is an English singer, formerly a vocalist with Vinegar Joe, and later a solo artist.

A professional singer since she was fifteen, Brooks' début, a cover of Etta James's "Something's Got A Hold On Me", was released on Decca in 1964. Later she became the vocalist with a British 12-piece Stax-influenced, jazz-rock fusion band called Dada that released one, eponymous, album in 1970.

Brooks, along with guitarist Pete Gage, singer Robert Palmer and bassist Steve York formed Vinegar Joe in 1971, adding keyboard player Dave Thompson. The band was without a drummer; Conrad Isidore and Rob Tait drummed on the first album, released in 1972.

In 1974, after three albums Vinegar Joe split and Brooks went solo. After a time in the US as backing singer with the American southern boogie band Wet Willie, she returned to England. Her first solo album on A&M records was Rich Man's Woman (1975).

Try Harder
Elkie Brooks Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

It's never too late to fulfil your dreams
You gotta keep on going
And it's never your turn on the wheel
You got the rough end of the deal
You were always the last one to play
But one day you'll get your turn

If you don't make it the first time

Keep on trying again
If you don't make it the first time
Keep on trying again

The curtain rises and you're out on your own
You look around in a spin
You concentrate, do you know what you're doing?
You lose your focus and your stare
You tell yourself don't panic
You find it hard to keep to keep control

If you don't make it the first time
Keep on trying again
If you don't make it the first time
Keep on trying again

You lost all sense of direction
You feel you gave it your best
Disappointment cut you clean as a knife
A change in your life
I have no doubt in whatever you choose
Cause you do everything so well

If you don't make it the first time
Keep on trying again

If you don't make it the first time
Keep on trying again

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Elkie Brooks's song "Try Harder" convey a message of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges and setbacks. The song encourages the listener to never give up on their dreams, regardless of their current circumstances or previous failures.

The opening lines suggest that it is never too late to pursue one's dreams and that it is important to keep pushing forward. The mention of being "never on the wheel" and getting the "rough end of the deal" implies that the singer has faced obstacles and perhaps felt overlooked or disadvantaged in their journey. However, there is hope expressed that eventually, it will be their turn to succeed.

The chorus reinforces the theme of persistence, emphasizing the importance of trying again after initial failures. It suggests that success may not come easily or immediately, but it is crucial to keep going and not be discouraged by initial setbacks.

The second verse portrays the singer as being slightly overwhelmed and uncertain in their pursuit of their dreams. The line "You lose your focus and your stare" indicates a struggle to stay focused and composed amidst the pressures and expectations. However, the singer tries to remain calm and reminds themselves not to panic, emphasizing the need for self-belief and self-control.

The bridge suggests that the journey towards achieving one's dreams may not always be smooth, and there might be disappointments and moments of self-doubt. However, the message is clear that the listener is capable of making changes and taking control of their own life. The line "A change in your life, I have no doubt in whatever you choose, Cause you do everything so well" conveys a sense of belief in the listener's abilities and potential for success.

In conclusion, Elkie Brooks's song "Try Harder" serves as an inspiring reminder to persist and persevere in the pursuit of one's dreams, despite setbacks and challenges. The lyrics offer encouragement to keep trying, to maintain focus, and to believe in one's own abilities. It is a testament to the power of resilience and the potential for success that lies within each individual.

Line by Line Meaning

It's never too late to fulfil your dreams
There is no expiration date to achieve your aspirations

You gotta keep on going
You must persist and not give up

And it's never your turn on the wheel
Luck seems to always evade you

You got the rough end of the deal
You consistently face challenging circumstances

You were always the last one to play
You often find yourself at the end of the line

But one day you'll get your turn
Eventually, the opportunity will come your way

If you don't make it the first time
Should you fail initially

Keep on trying again
Continue to make attempts

The curtain rises and you're out on your own
As the spotlight shines on you, you're alone in this moment

You look around in a spin
Feeling disoriented, you glance bewilderedly

You concentrate, do you know what you're doing?
Focusing intently, questioning your abilities