Born in Cleveland, Ohio,U.S., Tracy Chapman began playing guitar and writing songs as a child. She received a scholarship through A Better Chance that allowed her to attend Wooster School in Connecticut, and was eventually accepted to Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.
Tracy Chapman helped restore songwriters to the spotlight in the '80s. The multi-platinum success of Chapman's eponymous 1988 debut was unexpected, and it had lasting impact. Although Chapman was working from the same confessional songwriter foundation that had been popularized in the '70s, her songs were fresh and powerful, driven by simple melodies and affecting lyrics. At the time of her first album, there were only a handful of artists performing such a style successfully, and her success ushered in a new era of songwriters that lasted well into the '90s. Along with 10,000 Maniacs and R.E.M., Chapman's liberal politics proved enormously influential on American college campuses in the late '80s.
Official Website: http://www.tracychapman.com
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First Try
Tracy Chapman Lyrics
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Can't hide I can't fly
I'm struggling with the limits of this ordinary life
I'm just a
Just a
Just a first try
Can't see by the light
I'm struggling with the limits of this ordinary life
I'm just a
Just a
Just a first try
Can't say what I mean
Can't love from the heart
Can't trust in the mercy and the goodness in the world
Can't learn to accept that it's alright
To struggle with the limits of this ordinary life
Can't be
Just a
Just a first try
Can't be
Just a
Just a first try
Just a
Just a
Just a first try
Tracy Chapman's song First Try is a meditation on the struggles of everyday life. In the song, the singer grapples with the feeling of being unable to escape the constraints placed upon her by society, and by her own limitations. She begins by acknowledging her inability to run, hide, or fly, which suggests that she feels trapped, unable to escape from whatever obstacles are in her way. She then goes on to describe her struggles with communication, love, and trust, indicating that she feels as though she is "just a first try" at these things.
The repetition of the phrase "just a first try" reinforces the theme of limitation and struggle that runs throughout the song. Each time the singer repeats the phrase, it is as if she is trying to accept her limitations, to come to terms with the fact that she cannot achieve everything she wants to in life. At the same time, however, there is a sense of determination and resilience in the song. Even when she feels defeated, the singer continues to strive for something better, to try again and again, in the hope that one day she may achieve her goals.
In the end, First Try is a powerful statement about the human condition, about the limits we face and the struggles we must endure in order to achieve our dreams. It is a reminder that all of us are just trying our best, that we are all "just a first try" at this thing called life.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't run fast enough
I am unable to escape from the problems in my life, no matter how much I try.
Can't hide I can't fly
I cannot avoid the difficulties I face, nor can I rise above them effortlessly.
I'm struggling with the limits of this ordinary life
I am wrestling with the boundaries of a common, average existence that restrains me from reaching my full potential.
I'm just a
Just a
Just a first try
I am only an initial attempt, an early effort to overcome the struggles I face. I may fail, but I am not giving up trying.
Can't hear what you say
I am unable to hear or understand the guidance and advice of others.
Can't see by the light
I cannot perceive or comprehend the right path to follow that may lead me to success.
Can't say what I mean
I am incapable of communicating my thoughts or emotions clearly and effectively to others.
Can't love from the heart
I am struggling to love and be compassionate towards others as my heart is burdened with worries and doubts.
Can't trust in the mercy and the goodness in the world
I am doubtful and suspicious of the kindness and generosity that exists around me.
Can't learn to accept that it's alright
To struggle with the limits of this ordinary life
I find it difficult to come to terms with the fact that it's okay to encounter difficulties and limitations in life.
Can't be
Just a
Just a first try
I refuse to give up, and I want to be more than just an initial attempt at overcoming the obstacles that confront me in life.
Can't be
Just a
Just a first try
Just a
Just a
Just a first try
I am determined to continue trying and putting in my best effort to overcome the difficulties I face, even if it means being just an early attempt at eventual success.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Tracy L Chapman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind