Pete Yorn (b. July 27, 1974) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist… Read Full Bio ↴Pete Yorn (b. July 27, 1974) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist originally from Montville, New Jersey, United States.

Yorn started as a drummer who also played guitar. In 1990, he was drumming for his band in a high school talent contest when someone suggested he sing the Replacements song "Talent Show." That went over so well, a competing band asked him to sing Neil Young’s "Rockin' In the Free World" with them.

He was first recognized when the Farrelly brothers picked "Strange Condition" for their film Me, Myself & Irene.

He has gained increasing popularity following the use of his song "Just Another" on popular WB television show Dawson's Creek.

Another of his songs, Murray was used in the credits of the film Igby Goes Down

The song "Undercover" was used in the first Spiderman movie and appears on the soundtrack.

The song "Lose You" was used in the closing of an episode of House on Fox.

Try
Pete Yorn Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

If there's bad men telling you what to do
In the times when you're not worthless
If you're trying to break me down
And you're doing your best
Make it all go away
Baby don't just sympathize
Won't you try

If there's times when you're not listening
Just because you're overwhelmed
When the world has let you down
And you give it a rest
Make it up to yourself
Maybe take your own advice
Won't you try
Won't you try

When the world has let you down
And you give it a rest
Make it up to yourself
Baby don't just sympathize
And now's the time
Wait and it may never sell
Make it all go away

Maybe take your own advice
Won't you try

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Pete Yorn's song "Try" speak to themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and self-care in the face of adversity. The opening lines, "If there's bad men telling you what to do / In the times when you're not worthless," suggest a struggle against external influences that seek to diminish one's worth. It encapsulates the challenge of standing up against those who try to bring you down and not succumbing to their negative influence. The call to action to "try" implies a plea for the listener to push through these challenges and not give up.

The repetition of the phrase "Make it all go away / Baby don't just sympathize / Won't you try" reinforces the idea of actively taking control of one's circumstances and not merely sympathizing with oneself. It urges the listener to make a conscious effort to overcome obstacles and not let them define or defeat them. The refrain serves as a reminder that resilience and determination are key in facing adversity and moving forward.

The lyrics further delve into moments of inner conflict and self-doubt, such as when the singer is "not listening" and feeling "overwhelmed." This vulnerability is juxtaposed with a call to action to "make it up to yourself" and "take your own advice." It conveys a message of self-compassion and self-encouragement, emphasizing the importance of listening to one's inner voice and being kind to oneself amidst struggles.

The closing lines, "And now's the time / Wait and it may never sell / Maybe take your own advice / Won't you try," encapsulate a sense of urgency and opportunity for growth. The repetition of "Make it all go away" and "Maybe take your own advice" underscores the idea of self-empowerment and self-reliance in navigating challenges. Overall, the lyrics of "Try" encourage listeners to embrace their strength, listen to their inner wisdom, and actively pursue resilience in the face of adversity.

Line by Line Meaning

If there's bad men telling you what to do
When negative influences are dictating your actions

In the times when you're not worthless
During moments when you feel valuable

If you're trying to break me down
If you're attempting to cause me harm

And you're doing your best
Even though you're putting in effort

Make it all go away
Find a way to make all the negativity disappear

Baby don't just sympathize
Don't just understand, take action

Won't you try
Why not make an attempt?

If there's times when you're not listening
When you're failing to pay attention

Just because you're overwhelmed
Simply because you're feeling inundated

When the world has let you down
When life disappoints you

And you give it a rest
And you decide to take a break