Taylor Swift's 'this Is Me Trying': Meaning & Analysis

Hey Swifties! Let's dive deep into one of Taylor Swift's most heart-wrenching and relatable songs, "this is me trying." Released as part of her surprise album folklore in 2020, this track quickly resonated with fans for its raw honesty and vulnerability. If you've ever felt like you're giving it your all but still falling short, this song is for you. We're going to break down the lyrics, explore the themes, and understand why "this is me trying" has become such an anthem for anyone navigating life's challenges.

Unpacking the Lyrics: A Journey Through Vulnerability

At its core, "this is me trying" is a song about effort, struggle, and the often-painful gap between intention and outcome. Taylor Swift, known for her storytelling prowess, paints a vivid picture of someone grappling with their imperfections and striving to do better. The opening lines immediately set the tone:

• "I've been having a hard time adjusting, I had the shiniest wheels, now they're rusting."

This imagery speaks volumes. The "shiniest wheels" likely represent potential, ambition, or even a past self that seemed full of promise. The fact that they're now "rusting" suggests a decline, a loss of momentum, and a feeling of being stuck. The line "I've been having a hard time adjusting" hints at a significant life change or a series of setbacks that have thrown the narrator off course. This could be anything from dealing with mental health struggles to navigating career challenges or relationship issues. The beauty of Taylor's songwriting lies in its universality; we can all relate to feeling like our "wheels" are no longer as shiny as they once were.

The pre-chorus further emphasizes the narrator's attempts to cope:

• "They told me all of my cages were mental, so I got wasted to try to set them free."

This is a particularly poignant line that speaks to the complexities of mental health. The "cages" represent the internal barriers and limitations that the narrator feels trapped by. The advice that these cages are "mental" suggests an awareness of cognitive distortions or self-imposed limitations. However, the method of trying to break free – getting "wasted" – highlights a destructive coping mechanism. It's a raw admission of using unhealthy strategies to escape inner turmoil. This line doesn't glorify substance abuse but rather portrays it as a desperate attempt to find relief from mental anguish.

The chorus, simple yet profound, is the heart of the song:

• "And it's hard to be at a party when I feel like an open wound. It's hard to be anywhere these days when all I want is you. You know I adore you, though I don't say it where you can hear. There is me trying."

This chorus encapsulates the feeling of isolation and vulnerability. The image of feeling like an "open wound" at a party is incredibly powerful. It conveys a sense of rawness, sensitivity, and being exposed to the world's harshness. The narrator is struggling to function in social situations, feeling out of place and overwhelmed. The line "all I want is you" adds a layer of longing and perhaps a hint of relationship difficulties. The narrator deeply cares for someone but struggles to express it openly. The final line, "There is me trying," is a plea for understanding and acknowledgment. It's an admission that despite the struggles and imperfections, the narrator is genuinely making an effort.

The second verse continues to explore the theme of regret and missed opportunities:

• "I thought that if I pushed you out, I'd get these things out too. But now I'm sitting on the floor, and nothing's true."

These lines suggest a past decision to distance oneself from someone, perhaps in the belief that it would solve other problems. However, the current state of "sitting on the floor" with "nothing's true" indicates that this strategy backfired. The narrator is now facing the consequences of their actions and feeling a sense of emptiness and disillusionment. This verse highlights the complexities of human relationships and the potential for well-intentioned actions to have unintended negative outcomes.

The bridge offers a glimmer of hope and self-awareness:

• "At least I'm trying."

This simple repetition is incredibly powerful. It's a reminder that even when things are tough, the act of trying itself is significant. It's a message of self-compassion and resilience. Even if the narrator doesn't always succeed, they are committed to making an effort.

Themes Explored: More Than Just a Song

"this is me trying" delves into several universal themes that resonate deeply with listeners:

The Struggle for Self-Improvement

At its heart, the song is about the ongoing journey of self-improvement. It acknowledges that growth is not always linear and that setbacks are inevitable. The narrator is not presented as perfect but as someone who is actively working to overcome their challenges. This theme is particularly relevant in a society that often emphasizes success and achievement, reminding us that the effort itself is valuable.

Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms

The song touches on the complexities of mental health and the various ways people cope with inner turmoil. The line about getting "wasted to try to set them free" is a stark reminder of the dangers of unhealthy coping mechanisms. It encourages listeners to be mindful of their own coping strategies and to seek healthier ways to manage stress and difficult emotions.

The Importance of Effort Over Outcome

"this is me trying" challenges the notion that success is the only measure of worth. It suggests that the effort we put into something, even if we don't achieve the desired outcome, is still meaningful. This theme is particularly relevant in a world that often places immense pressure on achieving specific goals. It reminds us to value the process and to be kind to ourselves when we fall short.

Vulnerability and Connection

The song's raw honesty and vulnerability create a sense of connection with listeners. By openly admitting their struggles and imperfections, the narrator invites others to do the same. This theme highlights the importance of vulnerability in building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of community.

Why "this is me trying" Resonates

"this is me trying" has resonated with so many people because it's brutally honest and relatable. It doesn't offer easy answers or sugarcoat the difficulties of life. Instead, it acknowledges the struggles, the setbacks, and the imperfections that we all face. The song's power lies in its ability to make listeners feel seen and understood. It's a reminder that it's okay to not be perfect, that it's okay to struggle, and that the act of trying itself is something to be proud of. The lyrics are poignant, the melody is haunting, and the message is ultimately one of hope and resilience. It's a song that you can turn to when you're feeling down, when you're feeling lost, or when you just need a reminder that you're not alone. Its simplicity and directness are its strength; there's no artifice, just pure, unadulterated emotion.

Furthermore, the timing of its release during the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of resonance. As people around the world grappled with unprecedented challenges and uncertainty, "this is me trying" became an anthem for those who were simply trying to navigate a difficult situation. The song captured the collective feeling of exhaustion, frustration, and the determination to keep going despite it all.

Taylor's Impact: More Than Just Music

Taylor Swift has always had a knack for connecting with her audience on a deeply personal level, and "this is me trying" is a prime example of that. She has an uncanny ability to articulate the emotions and experiences that many of us struggle to put into words. Through her music, she creates a sense of community and belonging, reminding us that we're all in this together.

"this is me trying" is more than just a song; it's a testament to the human spirit's resilience. It's a reminder that even when we stumble, even when we fall, the act of getting back up and trying again is what truly matters. So, the next time you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, put on "this is me trying," and remember that you're not alone in your struggles. And that simply by trying, you're already doing enough. Keep shining, Swifties!

In conclusion, the song serves as a comforting reminder that even in the face of adversity, the act of trying is itself a victory. Taylor Swift's ability to tap into universal emotions and experiences solidifies her status as a masterful storyteller and a voice for a generation. "this is me trying" is not just a song; it's an anthem for anyone who has ever felt the weight of the world on their shoulders and still chooses to keep going.