Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: emo
Song Meaning of “I Am, I’m Trying” by You Blew It!
You Blew It’s song “I Am, I’m Trying” is an empowering and inspiring anthem about self-motivation and personal growth. Lead singer Tanner Jones’ plaintive vocals captures the self-reflection that comes with taking a long, hard look at onesself and the world. His lyrics explore the sense of being overwhelmed but holding on and pushing through. Empowerment and encouragement pervade the song as he sings, “I am, I’m trying, aren’t I enough?”
Musically, the song begins with a drumbeat that sets a driving tone. A fuzzy, distorted guitar follows, emphasizing the urgency of the protagonist’s situation. The bridge offers some lightness with a mixture of strings and synths before the chorus builds in intensity as the guitar and drums crescendo and Jones’s voice rises in strength and conviction.
The lyrical imagery of this song implies a sense of inner turmoil— of feeling lost and trying to find a way out but still struggling to surf the waves of life. The contrast between feeling overwhelmed, but still pushing forward and refusing to “give in” conveys the message that even in the face of adversity, there is still strength to be discovered. This theme is further heightened by the questioning of the title, wherein the protagonist repeatedly asks if they are “enough.”
The refrain of “I am, I’m trying” begins to take on a new meaning as the song progresses— a mantra of self-belief and resilience and a recognition that although times may be difficult, the effort is worth it in the end. The song is a reminder that we all have the capacity to do great things and the power to push through adversity lies within ourselves.