Erica Atkins-Campbell and Trecina Atkins-Campbell were born in Inglewood,
California. The Campbell (formerly Atkins) sisters grew up as part of a large family of nine children in Inglewood, California. Their parents are Thomasina (An evangelist and choir director at the Evangelistic Church of God in Christ) and Eddie (a youth minister). Because of their proximity in age, the two singers grew up closer to one another than to any of their seven siblings. The sisters quickly entered the world of church choirs, traveling gospel shows, and some television productions. All nine Atkins children were on the Bobby Jones Gospel show on BET.
The sisters had their sights set on making music a career and enrolled at El Camino College to study voice. There they ran up against the divide between academic music studies and the popular musical world. "We had to study classical and sing arias, which was fine," Erica told the Times, "but the teachers would tell us if we sang anything else it would damage our instrument." The sisters tours with the 1995 Michael Matthews traveling gospel show Mama I'm Sorry and Sneaky. Each sister subsequently toured as a backup singer for a variety of R&B acts including Brandy.
A meeting with producer Warryn Campbell led to their song publishing deal with the giant EMI music conglomerate and a series of songs that landed on the soundtracks. They wrote "Dance" and performed it with Robin S. for the soundtrack to the 1998 film Dr. Dolittle; "Let Go, Let God" for The Prince of Egypt Inspirational, one of three soundtrack albums for the film; and songs of theirs were recorded by Yolanda Adams and 702. At the same time, Mary Mary as a musical entity took shape.
The sisters' profile in the gospel industry was raised when their songs "Time To Change" and "Yeah" were recorded by Yolanda Adams on the Mountain High... Valley Low CD. The duo was subsequently signed to Columbia Records/C2 Records and decided to perform under the name Mary Mary, honoring Mary, the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene. They were first gospel act to record for the industry giant Columbia Records since Tramaine Hawkins in the mid-1990s. Their first single, "Shackles (Praise You)" became a crossover hit, being popular with gospel, R&B, and pop audiences. It was a Top 10 R&B and Top 40 pop hit, and peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It became the first gospel song in five years to crack the R&B top ten and gained wide exposure on the MTV video cable channel. The album was a huge success because it offered a younger, hipper version of gospel that audiences could relate to.
Their first album, Thankful (Mary Mary Album) in May 2000, which would go on to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album, and a second single, "I Sings". Peaking at #1 on the Gospel album chart and at #59 of the overall Top 200 chart, Thankful was certified Platinum for sales of 1 million copies in the USA. Both singles were also hits in the UK and Europe, and to this day remain popular with Christian youths in the US, Latin America, and Europe.
With their second album Incredible, the duo was able to maintain their success. The record, soon after its release, went to #1 on the Gospel chart, and was able to enter the Top 20 of the Top 200 album chart. Incredible was later certified Gold for 500,000 copies sold in the United States. The album's singles In The Morning and I Try became relatively large hits within the contemporary gospel nation.
After taking time off to have children, their third album Mary Mary appeared. It became the duo's first album to enter the Top 10 on Billboard and was later on certified Gold for sales of 500,000 copies. The first single "Heaven" containing a sample from seventies soul trio the Honey Cone's "Want Ads". Heaven made history and broke chart records as it had an unprecedented 9 week run as the #1 record on Billboard's Gospel Radio chart. The second single, "Yesterday", also became a hit, especially on the Adult R&B charts where it peaked at #10. On the R&B/Hip Hop chart, the song became their second biggest hit since "Shackles" in 2000, reaching the #53 spot so far.
On October 10, 2006`, the recording group released their most recent album inspired by Christmas songs and is called A Mary Mary Christmas.
I Try
Mary Mary Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I try, you know I try
I try, I try (yeah)
I try, you know I try
K. West! Kweli!
Got searched on the plane, Arabic first name
Disturbed by the fame just like Kurt Cobain
You flirt 'til she came
Nothin' hurt like the pain and torture
Daughters of the dust lookin' for a vein
Something to take in vain like the Lord's name
Put your hands together, got 'em all sayin'
I try, I try
I try, you know I try
I try, I try
I try, you know I try
Yo, it's all ghetto in gear higher, the floor settle
More metal for beef that we don't let the law settle
I try to navigate the treacherous waters of
America's ghettos that set up the slaughteres
But there's more of us
Although we speak in different languages
We all pretty familiar with what anger is
Young and dangerous, ??
Get up on some gangsta shit
Guns to bang ya wit'
And we put it on records to entertain ya wit'
I'm grown with pains way deeper than Mike Seavers
Our uniforms is white sneakers and white T-shirts
On top of wife beaters
We like to light reefers
The 'hood need us for rappers, just ain't the right leaders
I put a lot into it
This is my product and I gotta move it
Stop the industry but you can't stop the music
An upside down kingdom where life is just not fair (upside down kingdom)
Some many sufferin' cuz deep inside they're scared (so scared)
Fear pumped into their veins to keep them from their destiny
Where would they be if you and I don't care?
I try, I try, you know I try
I try, I try, I try, you know I try
Yo, the things I'm seein' on the news is insane
A stock broker shoot his kid and throw himself in front of a train
A mother leave her baby home for two weeks all by himself
Two years old, eatin' ketchup and mustard, cryin for help
Tryin' to bring your struggle to life
The label want a song about a bubbly life
I have trouble tryin' to write some shit
To BANG in the club through the night
When people suffer tonight
Lord knows I try
I try, I try, I try, you know I try
I try, I try, I try, you know I try
Life is a beautiful struggle
People search through the rubble for a suitable hustle
Some people usin' the noodle, some people usin' the muscle
Some people put it all together, make it fit like a puzzle
Come on, say it now
Life is a beautiful struggle
People search through the rubble for a suitable hustle
Some people usin' the noodle, some people usin' the muscle
Some people put it all together, yeah
I try, I try, you know I try
I try, oh Lord I try
Everyday I
Upside down kingdom
Oh, they're so scared
Everyday on the news we can't look around with
Something somewhere
I try, I try, you know I try
I try, I try, I try, you know I try
Lord knows, Lord knows we try
Yeah
The song is titled "I Try" by Mary Mary and it addresses the struggles of life and the importance of perseverance. The chorus repeats the phrase "I try, I try; you know I try" as a reminder of the efforts one must put in despite the challenges. The first verse features a conversation between two rappers, K. West and Kweli, discussing their experiences with fame and discrimination. They recount instances where they have been searched and questioned due to their Arabic names and also mention Kurt Cobain, who was famous and deeply troubled. The second verse talks about the challenges of living in the ghetto and the need for role models to inspire young people who are exposed to violence and drugs. The bridge addresses the wider inequalities suffered by people across the world and emphasizes that we need to care for each other and make an effort to understand each other's struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
I try, I try
The only thing we can do is try, so I keep pushing forward and making an effort even when things are difficult.
I try, you know I try
I want you to know that I'm always trying my best, even if I sometimes fall short or struggle to succeed.
K. West! Kweli!
These artists are being featured in our song, so listen up and pay attention to the messages they have to share.
Got searched on the plane, Arabic first name
I was racially profiled and scrutinized unfairly for having an Arab-sounding name, despite no other evidence being present.
Disturbed by the fame just like Kurt Cobain
Fame, while it has some advantages, can also be a source of great stress and inner turmoil for those in the public eye, much like it was for Kurt Cobain.
Breath of life, kiss of death, my lips pursed the same
Life and death are reserved for the same lips - we must continuously work to balance the two and find meaning in our existence, even in times of pain.
You flirt 'til she came
You played with fire, and now you're getting burned for your past actions and the way you treated people.
Nothin' hurt like the pain and torture
The pain of this situation is unbearable and torturous, making it hard to focus on anything else.
Daughters of the dust lookin' for a vein
Women who have been pushed into poverty and desperation are looking for an escape or a way to cope, even if it means turning to harmful substances.
Something to take in vain like the Lord's name
People in this situation feel helpless and despairing, and may even turn to blasphemy or other sins to cope with their struggles.
Put your hands together, got 'em all sayin'
We're bringing people together to acknowledge the struggles that many face and the need for support and unity in difficult times.
Yo, it's all ghetto in gear higher, the floor settle
The situation is intensifying and the stakes are getting higher, causing everyone to be on high alert and for the situation to become more dangerous and unstable.
More metal for beef that we don't let the law settle
Instead of relying on the law to settle disputes, we're turning to more aggressive and potentially violent measures to make our voices heard and find resolution.
I try to navigate the treacherous waters of
I'm doing the best I can to get through difficult situations and avoid danger, even when the risks seem high and the going is tough.
America's ghettos that set up the slaughteres
Places in America where poverty and violence are rampant have created a cycle of pain and harm that we must work to break through our actions.
But there's more of us
Despite the struggles we face, we know that there are many people out there working for change and striving to make things better for everyone.
Although we speak in different languages
Our backgrounds and experiences may differ, but at our core we are all human and deserve the respect and support to create a better world.
We all pretty familiar with what anger is
Amidst the struggles and inequalities we face, many of us feel angry and frustrated, underscoring the need for change and progress.
Young and dangerous, ??
We are a group of young people who are fighting for a better future and who reject the status quo and the harm it has caused.
Get up on some gangsta shit
We're standing up for ourselves and our communities, even if it means adopting a tougher or more aggressive persona to do it.
Guns to bang ya wit'
We're facing serious challenges and sometimes need to be prepared to put up a fight or defend ourselves and what we believe in.
And we put it on records to entertain ya wit'
Our music is a way to share our experiences and struggles, and to bring people together through the power of music and art.
I'm grown with pains way deeper than Mike Seavers
My suffering and trauma are profound and run deeper than anyone else could understand or comprehend.
Our uniforms is white sneakers and white T-shirts
We may not have much in terms of material possessions or status markers, but we have our own unique style and sense of self-worth.
On top of wife beaters
Our struggles and pain are so deep that they are embedded in our very clothing - and yet, we still strive to survive and find meaning in our lives.
We like to light reefers
One way we cope with our struggles and find moments of joy or freedom is by turning to drugs or other vices, despite the risks and dangers involved.
The 'hood need us for rappers, just ain't the right leaders
We may serve as important cultural figures, but we know that real change will come from leaders with vision, integrity, and the willingness to create meaningful change.
I put a lot into it
I'm deeply invested in my music and the messages it conveys, pouring my heart and soul into every song I create and every note I play.
This is my product and I gotta move it
My music is the result of my hard work, passion, and creativity, and I have to work hard to get it out there and make my voice heard.
Stop the industry but you can't stop the music
There may be external forces and challenges trying to silence our voices and put a stop to our progress, but we know that our music will endure and continue to inspire and empower people everywhere.
An upside down kingdom where life is just not fair (upside down kingdom)
Our world is full of injustice, inequality, and unfairness, as traditional power structures are upended and those in charge abuse their power.
Some many sufferin' cuz deep inside they're scared (so scared)
So many people are experiencing pain and harm, often because they are scared or unsure about what the future holds or how they will manage to survive.
Fear pumped into their veins to keep them from their destiny
Fear and other negative emotions can be powerful tools for those in charge to keep people from realizing their full potential and reaching their dreams and goals.
Where would they be if you and I don't care?
Our support and caring can make a huge difference in the lives of those who are struggling, highlighting the importance of coming together to solve problems and help each other out.
Life is a beautiful struggle
Even amidst the pain and hardship of life, there is still beauty and wonder to be found, inspiring us to keep pushing forward and continuing to fight for what's right.
People search through the rubble for a suitable hustle
We're all just trying to make things work and find a way to survive in a world that often feels chaotic and unforgiving, doing whatever it takes to get by.
Some people usin' the noodle, some people usin' the muscle
Different people have different ways of coping and finding success, whether through intellect, sheer effort and strength, or a combination of the two.
Some people put it all together, make it fit like a puzzle
The most successful among us are able to take disparate elements and connect them in creative and innovative ways, forging new paths and finding new solutions to old problems.
Everyday I
Every single day I'm striving to make a difference and bring about positive change, no matter how hard it may seem or how insurmountable the obstacles in my path may appear.
Oh, they're so scared
Many people are living in fear, uncertain about what the future holds or how they will be able to survive and thrive amidst so much pain and difficulty.
Everyday on the news we can't look around with
Every day it seems like we're being bombarded with more and more bad news and negative stories, making it harder and harder to focus on the good in the world and find hope amidst the chaos.
Something somewhere
There's always something else to be done or some new challenge to overcome, underscoring the need for us to remain vigilant and committed to creating positive change in the world.
Lord knows, Lord knows we try
Despite all the adversity and struggle we face, we are still doing our best and working hard to make a difference, showing our strength and resilience in the face of great difficulty and pain.
Lyrics Β© DistroKid, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Stephens, Mary Blige, Kanye West, Talib Kweli Greene
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tori Jean Henson
I can definitely relate to this song. I find myself listen to this song over and over again due to what I am going through right now in my life.
Stephanie Noelle
2020 Iβm still here listening ππ½πππ½βΌοΈπ
Jasmine Staton
I woke up with this song on my mind, thank You Jesus.ππΎβ€ππΎβ€
LeeLee Harrison
This is one of my favorite Mary Mary epic tunes, these women are The Truth. I fail often and I will sing this song in my private worship of forgiveness. Always, always remember that when u have fallen if u can look up you Can Get Back Up. Amen. Peace be with you all
Elijah386
Erica gave me chills at the end..so powerful
Godpickney33
Heard this song for the first time on Sunday and I mean it expressed every bit of my current state....I surrender Lord, I can't make it by myself. I don't want you Lord, I need You.
Keith O.
Dis is a touchin gospel song, MARY MARY u touched me deep down n my soul!! When Im down & depressed I play dis & realize I cant do nuthin without GOD!!!
Jessica Fountain
I remember when I was 15 at church I believe it was Easter Sunday, we had a program this was the song I wanted to sing.. Here Iβm 34 and this songs still give me chills very inspirational uplifting β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈ thank you lord
Shon Artis
Love this song!!
Phillip Golden
In 2020 this is still one of my favorites by Mary Mary.