Try Tonight
Lana Del Rey
The Struggle and Hope in Lana Del Rey's 'Try Tonight'
Lana Del Rey's 'Try Tonight' delves into the complexities of desire, struggle, and the pursuit of fleeting happiness. The song opens with a sense of uncertainty and longing, as the narrator expresses a desire for something elusive. This sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery and perseverance, as she contemplates trying a different approach to life, despite the repetitive and seemingly unproductive cycles she finds herself in. The lyrics 'Back and forth, I don't get anywhere / And I've been searching everywhere' encapsulate this feeling of stagnation and the relentless search for meaning or fulfillment.
The chorus, 'Now I'll try tonight / Just try tonight,' serves as a mantra of hope and determination. It suggests a willingness to take risks and make changes, even if the outcome is uncertain. This theme is further explored in the verses that follow, where the narrator describes a man who embodies a tragic lifestyle, filled with clichés and darkness. Despite his apparent despair, she believes she can bring a smile to his face, indicating a sense of optimism and the power of human connection to bring about change.
The song also touches on themes of addiction and escapism, as seen in the lines 'He'll try tonight / Tonight get high.' This suggests that the man is seeking solace in substances, a common coping mechanism for those struggling with inner turmoil. However, the repeated affirmation 'He will / Yes, he will' implies a sense of inevitability and perhaps a glimmer of hope that he will eventually find a way out of his darkness. Lana Del Rey's haunting vocals and melancholic melodies perfectly complement the song's themes, creating a poignant and introspective listening experience.