Try
Penn Michael Lyrics
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I could still try to make
Then watch me blink and overlook
What I undertake
'Til I don't try
I don't try
And I don't want to try to anymore
Strike the fire
Issue a decree
Ask you why
Watch you take the fifth as I
Give you the third degree
But I don't try
I don't try
I don't want to try you anymore
I don't try to anymore
I won't try you anymore
With a witness dismisses it's adjourned
And by heart the only rope that it's learned is
Mercifully do not prolong
If the way I'm rubbing you is wrong
That is why I kept away so
I'd look strange at your door
In my way, in a nutshell
I don't try
I won't try
I don't want to try you anymore
I can't try to anymore
I can't try you anymore
I don't try
(nine!)
The lyrics of Penn Michael's song "Try" speak about someone who has given up on trying to make a relationship work. The first verse talks about how the singer knows that they can still try to make things better, but they often overlook the things that they undertake, and eventually they stop trying altogether. They have grown tired of the constant effort that is required to maintain the relationship and no longer want to put any more energy into it.
The second verse is about the singer's frustration with their partner. They would rather accuse them and interrogate them than actually try to work out their issues. They are angry that their partner won't open up to them and is withholding information. The repeated refrain of "I don't try" emphasizes that the singer has given up on trying to fix things.
The bridge of the song speaks about how the relationship has deteriorated to the point where the singer "kept away" from their partner and feels awkward and out of place at their doorstep. The final repetition of "I don't try" emphasizes that the singer has completely given up on the relationship and cannot bring themselves to try anymore.
Line by Line Meaning
I picked up that something of it
I discovered a glimmer of hope
I could still try to make
I could put in effort to pursue it
Then watch me blink and overlook
But I get distracted and fail to follow through
What I undertake
What I commit to
'Til I don't try
Until I give up
I don't try
I stopped putting in effort
And I don't want to try to anymore
And I lost the desire to pursue it
I would choose to accuse you
I feel like blaming you
Strike the fire
I would provoke an argument
Issue a decree
I would make a strong demand
Ask you why
I would demand an explanation
Watch you take the fifth as I
I expect you to remain silent or evasive
Give you the third degree
I would question you aggressively
But I don't try
But I refrain from starting an argument
I don't want to try you anymore
I no longer want to accuse or blame you
I don't try to anymore
I stopped attempting to hold you accountable
I won't try you anymore
I refuse to engage in that behavior again
With a witness dismisses it's adjourned
If there is no evidence, the case is closed
And by heart the only rope that it's learned is
But I've learned that emotions can have consequences
Mercifully do not prolong
So it's best to not drag it out
If the way I'm rubbing you is wrong
If I am upsetting you
That is why I kept away so
That's why I tried to distance myself
I'd look strange at your door
I would feel uncomfortable approaching you
In my way, in a nutshell
Simply put
I don't want to try you anymore
I am choosing not to engage in hurtful behavior
I can't try to anymore
I am no longer capable of acting that way
I can't try you anymore
I will no longer attempt to blame or accuse you
I don't try
I refuse to engage in that behavior
(nine!)
A repeating chorus emphasizing the desire to end negative behavior
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sword and Scale
Michael Penn was never recognized for his brilliance. Maybe some day he will be, but it's getting dimmer out there. Love you, Michael. You've been a lifelong inspiration to me and I hope one day you get the recognition you deserve.
Myisa
Aimee Mann recognizes his brilliance!! Lucky dude!
S.A.L
Agree
Sean McCue
Without Question a charmed talent and meeting up, collaborating and marrying Aimee Mann, an equal. That’s just a smorgasbord manifest. 🙌🏼🙏🏼👏🏼
Bruce Wayne
absolute subtle brilliance !!!
David Verplank
This is a great song and a great video.
It's too bad Phillip Seymour Hoffman can't be with us today. RIP.
Scott Baines
Absolutely brilliant production by Brendan O'Brien. I think this is his best work.
sumit
Honestly, I don't know how but this song is different. You can feel through the chords. I listen this song daily. It's like time makes me remind to hear this. You don't hear such pop songs daily, I didn't expect it was so great at that time✨🌠
kendo_shane
Had the cassettes and wore them out. Bought CDs, then digital downloads. I've sung every song till I had it memorized, only to find new meaning each time. Michael Penn uses language like a painter and music like the pied piper.
John Anthony
This song is the crest of Hauntingly Beautiful...