Their musical style has varied considerably over the years, as has their line-up with the core of Henk Hofstede (vocals, guitar, also the band's lyricist), Rob Kloet (drums, percussion) and Robert Jan Stips (keyboards; also had stints in Supersister, Gruppo Sportivo and Golden Earring).
Although most of the band's songs are sung in English, Nits have been praised as a group that is 'European' more than anything else, staying relatively far away from American and British influences. They are an 'album band', not a 'singles band', although they had a number of considerable hits in The Netherlands and beyond. The biggest hit in their native Netherlands was "Nescio" (1983), a tribute to the Dutch author Jan Hendrik Frederik Grรถnloh a.k.a. Nescio. The hit that brought the band to the attention of an international audience was "In the Dutch Mountains" (1987), which has become their signature song.
The band released dozens of studio albums, from The Nits (1978) to the triptych Angst, Knot and Neon in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. Three of their studio albums reached the top 10 of the Dutch album charts, but their highest charting album was the 1989 double live album, Urk, which hit #2 in The Netherlands and still stands as a near-perfect introduction to the group's work.
On 16 May 2022 the band's own studio and 'headquarters', De Werf in Amsterdam, burned down. The group's archives, as well as many instruments and master tapes, went up in flames. Hofstede sings about the tragedy on 2024's mini album, Tree House Fire. Its release marked the start of Nits' anniversary year: the band celebrated its 50th anniversary with an international tour and two special performances in Amsterdam's Carrรฉ Theatre in April.
I Try
Nits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But you said that it was too late
I tried to be alone
But you said that I wanted this home
But I try (I try), I try
I try (I try), I try
But you never wanted that I
Wanted it, too
But I try to be around
Somehow, sometime I was found
I try (I try), I try
I try (I try), I try
And I have seen mirrors black
In a room by the sea
When we came back
Sometimes it's a sunny day
You lift your head and walk away
But I try (I try), I try
I try (I try), I try
I tried to be afraid
But you said I was much too late
I tried to be alone
But you said I just wanted this home
I try, I try, I try, I try
I try, I try, I try, I try
I try
The lyrics to Nits's song, "I Try," are about the struggle to conform to someone else's expectations while still trying to maintain one's own sense of self. The song's narrator is trying to be afraid and alone, but their partner is telling them that they want to be in a home together. The singer also tries to be like their partner, but the partner doesn't want that. Despite these challenges, the singer keeps trying to make things work in their relationship.
As the song progresses, the singer describes seeing "mirrors black" in a room by the sea, possibly alluding to feeling trapped or lost in their relationship. There are moments of progress, like "sometimes it's a sunny day," but overall, the singer seems to be struggling to balance their own desires with their partner's expectations. The repetition of "I try" throughout the song reinforces the singer's determination to keep going despite the obstacles.
Line by Line Meaning
I tried to be afraid
I attempted to feel scared and fearful
But you said that it was too late
You communicated that it was not applicable anymore
I tried to be alone
I endeavored to be by myself
But you said that I wanted this home
You expressed that I had a desire for this residence
But I try (I try), I try
Nonetheless, I keep making an effort (repeatedly)
I try to be like you
I strive to emulate your characteristics and behavior
But you never wanted that I
However, you never desired me to do so
Wanted it, too
I also had a similar desire
But I try to be around
Despite this, I attempt to be in your vicinity
Somehow, sometime I was found
Eventually, I was discovered in your presence
And I have seen mirrors black
I have observed dark or murky mirrors
In a room by the sea
Located in a chamber near the ocean
When we came back
Upon our return
Sometimes it's a sunny day
Occasionally, it is a bright and sunny day
You lift your head and walk away
You raise your head and depart from the location
I tried to be afraid
I made an effort to feel anxious
But you said I was much too late
You communicated that it was not applicable anymore
But you said I just wanted this home
You expressed that I had a desire for this residence
I try, I try, I try, I try
I consistently strive and endeavor to achieve my goals
Contributed by Maya O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.