The Meaning Behind The Song: Trying by Ella Mai
As a fan of Ella Mai, I always find myself drawn to the raw emotions and relatable lyrics in her songs. One track that particularly resonates with me is “Trying” from her album “Heart On My Sleeve” released in 2022. In this article, I will dive into the meaning behind this powerful song and share some of my personal experiences with it.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
[Verse 1]Had a lot of space, nothin’ in the way
I was movin’ ’round like everywhere
Had a couple flings, didn’t mean a thing
‘Cause I’m not the type to really care
Till you came around my heart
Say you been workin’ hard for my attention, for a minute
I never felt so soft, you throw my decisions off
[Pre-Chorus]
Yeah, I see you tryin’ real hard and that’s good enough
Spend a little more time, so that’s good enough
Now you all on my mind and that’s good enough
For me, for me
Not an easy read, I’m sure
I’m not the typical girl
And I know I make it hard, but I see you tryin’
When I look into your eyes, I just can’t deny it
[Chorus]
You got that something I always wanted
Usually not my type, but I still want it
Boy, you got that something to wake me up in the mornin’
Love is on my appetite
No, you don’t wanna waste my time
I see you tryin’, I see you tryin’
“Trying” starts by portraying the speaker’s past experiences with relationships. They had plenty of space and weren’t tied down to anyone. Previous flings didn’t hold much significance to them because they weren’t the type to invest emotionally. However, everything changes when a certain someone enters their life, capturing their heart. The lyrics express how this person has been putting in effort to gain the speaker’s attention and make them feel special, softening their guarded nature.
In the pre-chorus, Ella Mai acknowledges the effort the person is putting into the relationship. She recognizes that they are trying their best, investing time and making her a priority. The speaker acknowledges that they aren’t an easy person to understand, as they don’t fit the mold of a typical girl. Despite the challenges, the speaker sees the efforts and can’t deny the connection when looking into the person’s eyes.
The chorus is the highlight of the song, where Ella Mai sings about the captivating qualities of this person. They possess something the speaker has always desired, even if they don’t fit their usual type. This person has a unique ability to awaken the speaker’s emotions and make them feel alive. Love becomes a craving for the speaker, and they express that they don’t want their time wasted. The repeated line “I see you tryin'” emphasizes the acknowledgment and appreciation of the person’s efforts.
Personal Connection
“Trying” strikes a chord with me as it reflects my own experiences in relationships. I’ve often been guarded and hesitant to let someone in due to past hurt. Like Ella Mai, I appreciate when someone genuinely makes an effort to understand and connect with me. The lyrics resonate with the vulnerability and uncertainty that arise when feelings start to develop.
Furthermore, the chorus reminds me that love doesn’t always fit into a predefined box. Sometimes, we find ourselves attracted to someone who doesn’t match our usual preferences or expectations. It’s a reminder that love is unpredictable and can surprise us in the most unexpected ways.
In conclusion, “Trying” by Ella Mai beautifully captures the journey of opening up to love and appreciating the efforts someone puts into a relationship. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of vulnerability and gratitude for the person who manages to break down the walls and make the speaker feel seen. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of navigating emotions and allowing oneself to be vulnerable in love.
Sources:
Album: Heart On My Sleeve (2022)
Credits:
Produced By: Mustard, Nic Nac, GYLTTRYP & Peter Lee Johnson
Written By: Prince Charlez, Peter Lee Johnson, Nic Nac, GYLTTRYP, Mustard & Ella Mai
