If We Try

Don McLean's song 'If We Try' captures the essence of hopeful longing and the tentative steps towards a potential romantic connection. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who is deeply infatuated, experiencing a mix of excitement and nervousness at the thought of meeting someone special. The repeated line, 'Won't you look my way once before you go,' underscores the desire for a meaningful connection, even if it's just a fleeting moment of eye contact. This simple act is seen as a gateway to expressing unspoken feelings and possibly igniting a deeper relationship.

The song delves into the emotional turmoil of infatuation, where faces come and go, but one particular person stands out, stirring something deeper than mere attraction. McLean's lyrics suggest a yearning to move beyond superficial feelings to something more substantial. The line, 'I see love as just a state of mind,' reflects a philosophical take on love, hinting at its elusive and subjective nature. The bridge of the song highlights the uniqueness of the person of interest, who stands out from the crowd and offers signs of affection that are rare and cherished.

McLean's performance style, often changing the last chorus during live shows, adds a layer of spontaneity and personal touch to the song. This variability in the lyrics, such as 'It'd be so nice to see it all work out...cause that's what fantasies are all about,' emphasizes the dreamlike quality of the singer's hopes and desires. The song ultimately conveys a message of cautious optimism, suggesting that while the future is uncertain, there's a glimmer of possibility that things might work out if both parties are willing to try.