Kina started playing shows at the age of four in front of her stuffed animals. Now she plays in front of people, though it wasn’t the quickest transition for the admittedly shy songstress. While attending college at USC, Kina often retreated to the secluded stairwells around campus where she could write and sing without being heard. Protected by their quiet confines, she found a safe haven and a creative outlet for her music. Armed with a guitar and a cup of tea, Kina wrote in every stairwell she came across. And it was within these stairwells that she developed her confidence as a songwriter and her poise as a performer.
In 2007, Kina joined YouTube, made a music video and entered herself into a contest. A few months later, her video for “Message From Your Heart” aired during the Superbowl and its 97 million viewers (or 194 million eyeballs, depending on how you’re keeping track) and she walked away with a record deal. Since then, Kina has regularly posted her songs on YouTube, amassing many millions of views, and toured throughout North America. Her songs have been heard on television shows such as ABC’s General Hospital and MTV’s College Life.
Try
Kina Grannis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Having nowhere else to go
He was lonely, she was cold.
Whenever they went out
It seemed as though the world began to grow
The two they both had not felt big enough
To take in something of their own
A sad song, of how they'd never learn
And they'd never know
Chorus:
To try.
They've been paralyzed by fearful eyes
And realize you can move along
Write your own song
And be on your way
He had always dreamed to change
The world around him,
Rearrange the mess
Because through his eyes it all was beautiful
But not to all the rest
He had so much to say, he had so much to show
But he kept moving along, singing a song
A sad song, of how he'd never learn
And he'd never know
Chorus
She was unsure of many things
But disregarding all the others, she loved to sing.
But she was too scared to fail
Too scared to give it a go
And she kept moving along, singing a song
A sad song, of how'd she'd never learn
And she'd never know
Chorus
Bridge:
So I'll stop running away
If you start learning to stay and speak your mind
And I'll keep writing my songs
If you stop thinking you're wrong today.
Chorus
The song "Try" by Kina Grannis is a beautiful and motivational piece that encourages people to overcome their fear and take a leap of faith. It tells a story of three individuals who are struggling in their lives due to their fear of failing. The lyrics convey their feeling of being stuck in a hopeless situation and how they are unable to move forward towards their dreams. The first verse talks about two people who are lost, confused and feeling small. They have nothing to hold onto except each other. The world, as they see it, is vast and overwhelming. They keep moving and singing a sad song of how they would never learn and never know. However, the chorus brings a strong message of hope and courage to try, to overcome their fear of failing by moving forward, writing their own song and be on their way.
The second verse is about a man who dreams of changing the world around him, and he feels that the messy world is beautiful in his eyes, but not to others. He has a lot to say and show, but he keeps moving along, singing a sad song of how he would never learn and never know. The next part talks about a woman who loves singing but is too scared to fail or give it a try. She's afraid of rejection and disappointment. Similar to the man, she keeps moving along, singing a sad song of how she would never learn and never know. The bridge encourages them to speak their mind, stop overthinking, and stop running away. It also emphasizes that if they keep writing their song, they can learn and achieve their goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Having nowhere else to go
Feeling stuck in life with no clear direction.
He was lonely, she was cold.
Two individuals feeling disconnected from the world and each other.
Whenever they went out
It seemed as though the world began to grow
Finding solace and purpose in each other's company.
The two they both had not felt big enough
To take in something of their own
And they kept moving along, singing a song
A sad song, of how they'd never learn
And they'd never know
Struggling with feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure, leading them to believe they would never accomplish anything in life.
They've been paralyzed by fearful eyes
And realize you can move along
Write your own song
And be on your way
Coming to the realization that fear of judgment and failure has held them back, but they can take action and make their own path in life.
He had always dreamed to change
The world around him,
Rearrange the mess
Because through his eyes it all was beautiful
But not to all the rest
He had so much to say, he had so much to show
Holding a unique perspective on life, but struggling to have it understood or appreciated by others.
She was unsure of many things
But disregarding all the others, she loved to sing.
But she was too scared to fail
Too scared to give it a go
Having a passion for something, but being held back by the fear of not succeeding.
So I'll stop running away
If you start learning to stay and speak your mind
And I'll keep writing my songs
If you stop thinking you're wrong today.
Encouraging each other to face their fears and pursue their passions, while supporting each other in the journey.
Chorus
Repeating the message that fear should not hold you back, and that you can create your own path in life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: KINA KASUYA GRANNIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jes E
I just watched your stageit Kina!
I was the one who said that your music is powerful and that your lyrics change lives.
I am going through some big changes in my life right now and I just wanted to let you know that hearing this song tonight was really an impetus in helping me take the steps I need. Wish me luck <3
( ps, you are just as awesome performing live, I saw you in NYC!)
Keep singing and making music. You have no idea how much you have helped me with your lyrics through the years, and I hope to be able to tell you this in person one day :)
Snowwika
this is seriously my all-time favourite song.... it helped me get out of my depression. <3
Sovereign Citizen LEO
Kina, This song is a masterpiece. I have watched it at least 20 times and it never gets old. Your guitar attack and vocals are so powerful, I'm transfixed.
Jewel Harrington
Love the song and am so glad you made it into the finals for the Crash the Super Bowl! Make sure you vote everybody! This is such a great opportunity for Kina! :)
Ranae1221
Yay!!! I had hoped you would sing this song, it's one of my faves. And congrats on being the top 3!! I knew you would make it just like I know we will see you during the super bowl!!
lailaqq
this song really shows how great your voice truly is
crazyokinawan
You are SO talented. I've gone through all your original songs and I loved them all! I'm going to itunes right now to buy your album!
Teddy P. Gray
This is the first song I ever heard from Kina. It has been on my favorites list ever since.
plasticarmygirl
Thank you for all your amazing songs. Truly incredible!
StevenJvlog
You're SOOOO talented! Your music & voice are so refreshing and beautiful! It's so fluid, and just, awe-inspiring. Thanks for renewing my love and passion for music and people. Even if they'd never dwindled in the first place... Haha, keep up the great work!