One Thing Left to Try
MGMT Lyrics


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One thing left to try
See if you can make it
Before you choose the night
And the silence overtakes you
If you looked into the fire
And you had that conversation
Then there's one thing left to try
If you want to save your life

Fear is his name but his friends still call him God
Again and again the thought remains
The only way to get rid of the feeling

I don't wanna die!
Wishing I'd done something
Before then what's required
To last until the sunset
No I don't wanna die
Thinking that I'm dreaming
There's one thing left to try
If you want to change your night

Today I left those thoughts behind, behind
Over and over
You've died just to feel alive

The only way to get rid of the feeling
You have to draw the line
And remember there's more than you see in your sight

Do you want to keep us alive?
Do you want to feel alive?
Do you want to keep us alive?
Do you want to feel alive?
Do you want to keep us alive? (fun is over)
Do you want to feel alive? (fun is over)
Do you want to keep us alive? (fun is over)
Do you want to feel alive?





(There's one thing left to try)

Overall Meaning

In "One Thing Left to Try" by MGMT, the lyrics delve into themes of self-discovery, the fear of mortality, and the longing for a meaningful life. The song begins by urging the listener to take a chance and make an attempt at finding their purpose before succumbing to the darkness and silence that can overtake them. The singer suggests that if one has had a significant conversation while looking into the fire, there is still one thing left to try in order to save their life.


The following lines introduce a character named Fear, who is referred to as God by his friends. This may allude to the crippling effect that fear can have on individuals, as it becomes an all-encompassing force that governs their lives. The repetitive thought of how to rid oneself of this feeling remains constant, indicating the desire to transcend fear and its limitations.


The chorus expresses a fear of dying without having lived fully or accomplished something significant. The singer does not want to face the end of their days with regrets, but rather wishes to experience life to its fullest potential. This sentiment is reinforced by the idea that there is still one thing left to try if one wants to change the direction of their life and make it meaningful.


The lyrics also touch upon the notion of leaving behind negative thoughts and embracing a new perspective. The repetition of "over and over" suggests a cyclical pattern of dying in order to feel alive. It hints at the idea of constantly shedding old beliefs and ideas in order to truly experience the present.


Overall, "One Thing Left to Try" encourages listeners to confront their fears, pursue their passions, and seek a life that is fulfilling rather than settling for mediocrity or regrets.


Line by Line Meaning

One thing left to try
There is one final attempt that can be made


See if you can make it
Determine if you have the ability to succeed


Before you choose the night
Before you succumb to darkness and despair


And the silence overtakes you
And the absence of sound consumes you


If you looked into the fire
If you confronted your deepest desires


And you had that conversation
And you engaged in a meaningful dialogue


Then there's one thing left to try
In that case, there remains a final option


If you want to save your life
If you desire to preserve your existence


Fear is his name but his friends still call him God
Fear possesses immense power and influence over individuals


Again and again the thought remains
Consistently, the notion persists


The only way to get rid of the feeling
The sole approach to eliminate the sensation


I don't wanna die!
I vehemently reject the idea of perishing


Wishing I'd done something
Regretting not having taken action


Before then what's required
Before what is necessary in that moment


To last until the sunset
To endure until the end of the day


No I don't wanna die
No, I absolutely do not wish to cease existing


Thinking that I'm dreaming
Believing I am simply in a state of illusion


There's one thing left to try
There exists a final recourse


If you want to change your night
If you desire to alter your current situation


Today I left those thoughts behind, behind
Today, I abandoned those contemplations entirely


Over and over
Repeatedly, continuously


You've died just to feel alive
You have experienced death metaphorically in order to truly experience life


The only way to get rid of the feeling
The only method to eliminate the sensation


You have to draw the line
You must establish boundaries


And remember there's more than you see in your sight
And be mindful that there is a greater reality beyond what you perceive


Do you want to keep us alive?
Do you wish to ensure our collective survival?


Do you want to feel alive?
Do you desire to experience true vitality?


Do you want to keep us alive? (fun is over)
Do you want to preserve our existence? (The enjoyment has come to an end)


Do you want to feel alive? (fun is over)
Do you want to experience true vitality? (The enjoyment has come to an end)


Do you want to keep us alive? (fun is over)
Do you wish to ensure our collective survival? (The enjoyment has come to an end)


Do you want to feel alive?
Do you desire to experience true vitality?


(There's one thing left to try)
(There remains a final option)




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Andrew VanWyngarden, Ben Goldwasser

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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