This Is Me Trying: Lyrics & Meaning Explained

Hey Swifties! Let's dive deep into one of Taylor Swift's most raw and relatable songs, "this is me trying." This track, from her folklore album, isn't just a song; it's an anthem for anyone who's ever felt like they're falling short, struggling to keep their head above water, and, well, trying. We're going to break down the lyrics line by line and explore the deeper meaning behind this incredibly vulnerable piece. So, grab your headphones, maybe a box of tissues, and let's get started!

Unpacking the Lyrics: A Deep Dive

When you listen to "this is me trying," you're immediately struck by its honesty. It's not a pop banger; it's a quiet confession. Taylor lays bare her insecurities and imperfections, and it's that very rawness that makes the song so impactful. The opening lines set the stage perfectly:

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

These lines paint a picture of someone who once had it all together, or at least appeared to. The "shiniest wheels" represent success, confidence, and maybe even a carefully constructed image. But now, those wheels are rusting, symbolizing a decline, a struggle to maintain that initial shine. It's a feeling many of us can relate to, that sense of losing momentum and watching our past achievements fade.

The pre-chorus digs even deeper into the internal battle:

• "I didn't know if you'd care if I came, I have a tendency to make it about me. I didn't know if you'd care if I came, but I showed up anyway."

Here, Taylor touches upon the fear of bothering others with her problems, the self-centeredness that can creep in during difficult times, and the vulnerability of showing up even when you're not sure you're wanted. That last line, "but I showed up anyway," is small but significant. It's an act of defiance, a tiny victory in the face of overwhelming challenges. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, the determination to keep going even when it feels impossible.

And then, we arrive at the heart of the song, the chorus:

• "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're a flashback in a film reel on the one screen in my town."

This is where the song's title comes to life. "this is me trying" is the unspoken plea, the explanation for why she's not her best self. It's about acknowledging her struggles and offering it as the reason for her behavior. The image of feeling like "an open wound" at a party is incredibly powerful. It conveys the feeling of being exposed, vulnerable, and out of place. The line about wanting "you" adds another layer of complexity. It could be a romantic longing, but it could also represent a desire for connection, for understanding, for someone to see past the surface and recognize the pain she's carrying.

The second verse continues this theme of struggle and self-doubt:

• "They told me all of my cages were mental, so I got wasted like all my potential. And my words shoot to kill when I'm mad, I have a lot of regrets about that."

This is a particularly poignant verse. The line about "mental cages" speaks to the internal barriers we create for ourselves, the limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns that hold us back. The phrase "wasted like all my potential" is a brutal self-assessment, acknowledging the ways in which she's sabotaged herself. And the admission that her "words shoot to kill when I'm mad" highlights the destructive impact of her emotions on her relationships. It's a confession of imperfection, a recognition of her flaws.

The bridge offers a glimmer of hope, a shift in perspective:

• "But I'm fine, I lived, I learned, I had you."

Despite all the struggles and regrets, there's an underlying sense of gratitude. "I lived, I learned" acknowledges the lessons gained from these experiences, and "I had you" suggests that even in the midst of hardship, there was love and support. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we're not alone.

The Meaning Behind the Song: More Than Just Lyrics

Okay, guys, so what's the big picture here? "this is me trying" isn't just a collection of sad lyrics; it's a story about struggle, resilience, and the human need for understanding. It's about the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect, the fear of failure, and the vulnerability of admitting when we're not okay. The genius of Taylor Swift is that she takes these universal experiences and distills them into songs that resonate with millions of people. She makes us feel seen, heard, and understood. And in a world that often glorifies perfection, that's a pretty powerful thing.

One of the key themes of the song is the internal battle between expectations and reality. We all have an image of who we want to be, what we want to achieve, and how we want to be perceived. But the reality is often messy, complicated, and far from perfect. "this is me trying" captures that gap between expectation and reality, the feeling of constantly falling short of our own ideals.

Another important aspect of the song is the importance of self-compassion. It's easy to be hard on ourselves, to dwell on our mistakes, and to criticize our shortcomings. But "this is me trying" encourages us to be kinder to ourselves, to acknowledge our struggles, and to recognize that we're all just doing the best we can. It's a reminder that it's okay to not be perfect, to make mistakes, and to ask for help.

Furthermore, the song highlights the power of vulnerability. It takes courage to admit when we're struggling, to show our imperfections, and to be honest about our feelings. But vulnerability is also what connects us to others. When we're willing to be open and honest, we create space for empathy, understanding, and connection. "this is me trying" is a testament to the power of vulnerability, the strength in admitting when we're not okay.

Why "This Is Me Trying" Resonates with So Many

So, why does this song hit so hard? Why do so many people connect with it on such a deep level? Well, for starters, it's honest. Taylor Swift isn't trying to sugarcoat anything or present a false image of perfection. She's just being real about her struggles, her insecurities, and her imperfections. And that's something that we can all relate to.

Secondly, it's relatable. We've all been there, haven't we? We've all felt like we're not good enough, like we're failing, like we're just trying to keep our heads above water. "this is me trying" puts those feelings into words, validates our experiences, and makes us feel less alone.

Thirdly, it's hopeful. Despite all the struggles and regrets, there's an underlying sense of hope in the song. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we're not alone, and that we have the strength to keep going. It's a song that acknowledges the pain but also offers a glimmer of light.

Taylor's Impact: More Than Just a Songwriter

Taylor Swift isn't just a songwriter; she's a storyteller, a poet, and a cultural icon. She has a unique ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and translate them into songs that resonate with millions of people around the world. Her music has been a source of comfort, inspiration, and connection for countless individuals, and "this is me trying" is a perfect example of her artistry.

In conclusion, "this is me trying" is more than just a song; it's an anthem for anyone who's ever felt like they're struggling. It's a reminder that it's okay to not be perfect, to make mistakes, and to ask for help. It's a testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of self-compassion, and the resilience of the human spirit. So, the next time you're feeling down, put on "this is me trying," and remember that you're not alone. We're all just trying our best, and that's okay.

What are your favorite lyrics from "this is me trying" and what do they mean to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!