Loggins was born in Everett, Washington and is the youngest of three brothers. His mother was Lina (née Massie), a homemaker, and his father, Robert George Loggins, was a salesman. They lived in Detroit and Seattle before settling in Alhambra, California. Loggins attended San Gabriel Mission High School, graduating in 1966. He formed a band called the Second Helping that released three singles during 1968 and 1969 on Viva Records. Greg Shaw described the efforts as "excellent punky folk-pop records" that were written by Loggins who was likely to be the bandleader and singer as well; Shaw included "Let Me In" on both Highs in the Mid-Sixties, Volume 2 and the Pebbles, Volume 9 CD.
Loggins had a short gig playing guitar for the New Improved Electric Prunes in 1969 before writing four songs for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which were included in their Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy album. During his early twenties, he was part of the band Gator Creek with Mike Deasy. An early version of "Danny's Song" (later recorded by Loggins and Messina and a No. 7 Hot 100 hit for Anne Murray in 1973) was included in a record on Mercury Records.
Loggins appears in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V playing himself as the host of an in-game radio station called Los Santos Rock Radio. He also lends the songs "Danger Zone" and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)", and sings station jingles.
In 2014, Loggins appeared as himself in the episode "Baby Shower" of the fifth season of the animated comedy series Archer. His song "Danger Zone" had been a recurring joke in the show. At the end of the episode and during the credits, Loggins also performs a country version of "Danger Zone" as a duet with the character of Cherlene. Loggins stated in a later interview that his in-show nickname 'K-Log' is a complete creation of the show, stating, "It was always a joke. That's why it works, because it's so absurd.
I Gotta Try
Kenny Loggins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe we can't make the ends meet
Maybe we'll all have to do without it
Maybe this world's just incomplete
Still we all look for truth in our lives
Searching from different sides
If it's so hard living in a desperate world
Some people dream a change
Some will remain the same
All of us live their lives
Under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight
But I say, I gotta try
Maybe there's too much to think about
Maybe there just ain't nothing left to say
But if our time's really running out
Then this is no time to run away
'Cause we're destined to look for truth in this life
Blinded by tearful eyes
If it's no use trying in a desperate world
Then tell me, why was I born?
Some people see a change
Some will remain the same
All of us live their lives
Under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight
But I say, I gotta try
Lonely, living so lonely
Is it too late
To turn it all around?
Some people dream a change
Some will remain the same
All of us live their lives
Under the gun
Some see the road as clear
Some say the end is here
They say it's a hopeless fight
But I say, I gotta try
I gotta change
The world just remains the same
All of us live our lives
Under the gun
Someone's sleeping
Someone's giving up
Someone's trying
Someone's crying out
Still we live under the gun
The song I Gotta Try by Kenny Loggins is about the human experience of struggle and the search for meaning in a world that can seem incomplete or hopeless. The lyrics suggest that while it may be true that life is difficult and uncertain, we cannot simply give up or turn away. Instead, we must strive to find our own truths and purpose, even if the road ahead appears unclear or the end may appear near. The song acknowledges that people have different perspectives and coping mechanisms in the face of these challenges, but that everyone ultimately faces their battles "under the gun."
The first verse presents the idea that some things in life may be beyond our control, such as making ends meet, and that the world may feel incomplete. However, the second verse suggests that we all have a personal truth to find and that despite our differences, we must persevere and do our best. The chorus reinforces this message, with Loggins acknowledging that some may see the end as hopeless, but he himself will try to make a difference despite the odds.
The bridge introduces feelings of loneliness and the possibility of regret. Loggins questions whether it's too late to change one's situation, but ultimately returns to the idea that we must try, even if we feel we are living "under the gun." The final verse seems to suggest that each person makes their own choices in how to face the challenges in their lives, whether that is by sleeping or giving up, or by trying and crying out.
Overall, the song expresses a sense of determination and hope in the face of adversity. It encourages listeners to continue to search for their own truths and purpose, even when the road ahead is difficult to see.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe it's true what they say about it
Perhaps the things people say about life are accurate.
Maybe we can't make the ends meet
It's possible that we are unable to cover all of our expenses.
Maybe we'll all have to do without it
Maybe we won't have access to something we need or want.
Maybe this world's just incomplete
The world may be lacking something, making it unfulfilled.
Still we all look for truth in our lives
Despite uncertain or difficult circumstances, we search for answers and meaning.
Searching from different sides
We approach the pursuit of truth and understanding in different ways.
If it's so hard living in a desperate world
It's challenging to survive in a world that feels hopeless.
But we all do the best that we can
Regardless, we work to do our best to succeed and survive.
Some people dream a change
Certain individuals imagine creating a difference in the world.
Some will remain the same
Others may remain fixed in their ways with no interest in change.
All of us live their lives
Every individual is living their own life.
Under the gun
We feel pressure or a sense of urgency to accomplish something.
Some see the road as clear
Some perceive their path forward to be straightforward and well-defined.
Some say the end is here
Others believe that they have reached the end of their life or journey.
They say it's a hopeless fight
Some people view their efforts to improve the world as a futile struggle.
But I say, I gotta try
Despite the odds of success, I am determined to make an effort to improve the world.
Maybe there's too much to think about
Possibly, there are too many issues to consider and address.
Maybe there just ain't nothing left to say
Perhaps we've said all that there is to say on a topic.
But if our time's really running out
If we are running out of time, there's no point in giving up.
Then this is no time to run away
Now is not the time to shy away from challenges or responsibilities.
'Cause we're destined to look for truth in this life
As humans, we are wired to search for meaning in our lives.
Blinded by tearful eyes
However, emotions like sadness and grief can cloud our judgment.
If it's no use trying in a desperate world
When the world seems hopeless, some people believe that trying is a waste of time and energy.
Then tell me, why was I born?
However, others are driven to make a difference despite the odds against them.
Lonely, living so lonely
Some people feel a sense of isolation or loneliness in their lives.
Is it too late
Wondering if it's too late to make meaningful changes or connections.
To turn it all around?
Can we still take action to improve our lives or the state of the world?
Someone's sleeping
Some people are apathetic or inactive, not taking action to create change.
Someone's giving up
Others have lost hope or the will to keep trying.
Someone's trying
However, some people are willing to work to make a difference.
Someone's crying out
They are putting forth their best efforts, often despite adverse circumstances.
Still we live under the gun
Even with struggles and obstacles, we are expected to act and achieve our goals.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kenneth Clark Loggins, Michael H. McDonald
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind