I Try

Macy Gray

About I Try

"I Try" is a song co-written and recorded by American musician Macy Gray. It was released on September 27, 1999 outside of the United States, and in North America on January 25, 2000 (see below), as the second single from her debut album, On How Life Is. It is Gray's biggest hit to date. It peaked at number six in the United Kingdom, number five in the United States, number two in Canada and number one in Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. At the 2001 Grammy Awards, "I Try" won Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. It remains Gray's biggest hit single in the US to date, and her only one to reach the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. The song was used in the TV sitcom Spin City, when Michael J Fox's character, Michael Flaherty, was leaving his job and moving from NYC; the actor was also leaving the series after he had announced that he had Parkinson's. In 2010, the song was featured in an episode of The Office. It was also featured in the series 2 finale of Mrs. Brown's Boys during which it was sung by Brendan O'Carroll and Pat "Pepsi" Shields. In 2018, the song was featured in an episode of The Last Man on Earth. 


Year:
2009
3:56
41 
#1

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Games, changes and fears
When will they go from here
When will they stop
I believe that fate has brought us here
And we should be together babe
But we're not
I play it off, but I'm dreaming of you
And I'll keep my cool, but I'm fiendin'

I try to say goodbye and I choke
Try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not here
Goodbye and I choke
I try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not here

I may appear to be free
But I'm just a prisoner of your love
And I may seem all right and smile when you leave
But my smiles are just a front
Just a front, hey
I play it off, but I'm dreaming of you
And I'll try to keep my cool, but I'm fiendin'

I try to say goodbye and I choke
Try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not here
Goodbye and I choke
I try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not here

Here is my confession
May I be your possession
Boy, I need your touch
Your love, kisses and such
With all my might I try
But this I can't deny
Deny

I play it off, but I'm dreaming of you
(but I'm dreaming of you babe)
And I'll keep my cool, but I'm fiendin'

I try to say goodbye and I choke
Try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not here
Goodbye and I choke
I try to walk away and I stumble
Though I try to hide it, it's clear
My world crumbles when you are not here

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Macy Gray

Macy Gray (born September 6, 1969) is an American R&B and soul singer-songwriter, record producer, and actress, famed for her distinctive raspy voice, and a singing style heavily influenced by Billie Holiday and Betty Davis. more »

1 fan

Written by: David Lee Wilder, Jeremy Ruzumna, Jinsoo Lim, Macy Gray

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Composition
"I Try" is a song by American recording artist Macy Gray. She co-wrote the song with Jeremy Ruzumna, Jinsoo Lim, and David Wilder.
Album Placement
The song is the second single from her debut album, "On How Life Is," which was released in July 1999.
Genre
The song is primarily soul and R&B with hints of jazz. It showcases Gray's distinctive raspy voice and unique singing style.
Music and Lyrics
Musically, "I Try" is recognized by its catchy piano riff and soulful, insightful lyrics that revolve around the theme of love's struggles and the difficulties in letting go.
Awards
It won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2001. Macy Gray was also nominated for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year on the same occasion.
Chart Performance
"I Try" reached number 5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and topped the UK Singles Chart. It was her biggest hit to date and remains a signature song for Macy Gray.
Commercial Success
The single achieved great commercial success globally, being certified gold in the U.S. alone, and it has appeared in numerous movies and television shows.
Music Video
The music video for "I Try" portrays Macy Gray's day in New York City, stuck in traffic, getting a ticket, and performing on stage.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "I Try" including Ben Taylor, Will Young, and Tyler James. It is a popular song for auditioning on talent shows like American Idol and The Voice.
Legacy
Nearly two decades later, "I Try" remains Macy Gray's most iconic song. The song's timeless appeal can be attributed to its universal subject matter — the pain and difficulty of a breakup, which many people can relate to.

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    I Try

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 2000

    Billboard #5


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