I'll Try Anything Once
Julian Casablancas Lyrics


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Ten decisions shape your life
You'll be aware of five about
Seven ways to go through school
Either you're noticed or left out
Seven ways to get ahead
Seven reasons to drop out
When I said, "I can see me in your eyes"
You said, "I can see you in my bed"
That's not just friendship, that's romance, too
You like music we can dance to

Sit me down, shut me up
I'll calm down and I'll get along with you

There is a time when we all fail
Some people take it pretty well
Some take it all out on themselves
Others, they just take it out on friends
Oh, everybody plays the game
And if you don't, you're called insane

Don't, don't, don't, don't, it's not safe no more
I've got to see you one more time
That's when you were born in 1984

Sit me down, shut me up
I'll calm down and I'll get along with you

Everybody was well dressed
And everybody was a mess
Six things without fail you must do
So that your woman loves just you
Oh, and all the girls played mental games
And all the guys were dressed the same

So why not try it all
If you only remember it once?
Ooh, ooh

Sit me down, shut me up
I'll calm down and I'll get along with you





(Yep)

Overall Meaning

The song "I'll Try Anything Once" by Julian Casablancas is a reflection on life-choices and relationships with others. The first verse introduces the idea that there are ten major decisions that define a person's life, but only five are consciously chosen. It suggests that there are multiple paths to take in life, but ultimately, one will either be noticed or left out. The lines "When I said, 'I can see me in your eyes' / You said, 'I can see you in my bed'" could be interpreted as a romantic confession, stating that the singer sees a potential future with the other person. However, this could also be interpreted as an opportunity - the other person sees the potential for collaboration, to create something that they can share together. The line "that's not just friendship, that's romance, too" implies that the partnership has more depth than just a simple friendship.


The second verse examines how people handle failure, with some taking it out on themselves and others taking it out on friends. It discusses the societal pressure to conform to certain norms, with people who opt-out being seen as insane. The chorus acknowledges that relationships come with their own set of rules - there are certain things one must do to maintain a healthy romantic partnership. The lines "And all the girls played mental games / And all the guys were dressed the same" highlights the gender expectations that people face, with girls expected to play "mental games" and guys expected to adhere to a certain dress code.


Overall, "I'll Try Anything Once" promotes the idea of taking chances, embracing opportunities, and finding joy in the present moment. It encourages the listener to experience life to the fullest and to not take anything for granted.


Line by Line Meaning

Ten decisions shape your life
There are ten significant choices in life that determine one's fate


You'll be aware of five about
On average, people are only conscious of five of those choices


Seven ways to go through school
There are seven approaches to getting through school


Either you're noticed or left out
You either stand out in school or you're just another face in the crowd


Seven ways to get ahead
There are seven ways to achieve success


Seven reasons to drop out
There are seven justifiable reasons to leave school


When I said, 'I can see me in your eyes'
When I told you that I saw myself in you


You said, 'I can see you in my bed'
You responded by suggesting that there is mutual attraction


That's not just friendship, that's romance, too
Our connection goes beyond friendship


You like music we can dance to
We share a love for music that makes us want to dance


Sit me down, shut me up
Please let me vent and then listen to what I have to say


I'll calm down and I'll get along with you
I'll be reasonable and we can work things out together


There is a time when we all fail
Everybody has a time in life when they experience failure


Some people take it pretty well
Some people handle failure decently enough


Some take it all out on themselves
Others internalize failure and blame themselves


Others, they just take it out on friends
Some people lash out at their friends when they fail


Oh, everybody plays the game
Everyone participates in the game of life


And if you don't, you're called insane
If you choose not to play the game of life, people may view you as crazy


Don't, don't, don't, don't, it's not safe no more
Warning that taking risks is no longer safe


I've got to see you one more time
I need to see you again at least once


That's when you were born in 1984
A reference to the year you were born


Everybody was well dressed
Everyone was fashionable


And everybody was a mess
But everyone had their flaws


Six things without fail you must do
There are six things necessary to keep your partner's love


So that your woman loves just you
To ensure that your partner is only in love with you


Oh, and all the girls played mental games
Girls are known to play mind games with men


And all the guys were dressed the same
All the guys dressed in a similar style


So why not try it all
Why not take a chance on everything?


If you only remember it once?
If there's only one thing you remember from all your experiences, why not go for it?


Ooh, ooh
Vocalization of the musical interlude


Yep
Confirmation of a prior statement




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Julian Casablancas

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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