Stop Trying

Sia's song 'Stop Trying' delivers a powerful message about self-acceptance and the futility of overexertion in the pursuit of validation. The repeated phrase 'We like you' serves as a comforting reminder that the listener is already valued and appreciated, negating the need for constant striving. This reassurance is further emphasized by the line 'This is a game, already won,' suggesting that the battle for acceptance and self-worth has already been achieved, and the listener can now rest and embrace their inherent value.

The lyrics 'Take a break, you must be tired from the strain' and 'Please slow down, you are making my head spin' highlight the physical and emotional toll of relentless effort. Sia encourages the listener to pause and allow themselves to be vulnerable, to let others help carry their burdens. This notion is reinforced by the lines 'You don't know, you have everything you need' and 'You won't grow, 'til you get down on your knees,' which suggest that true growth and self-realization come from acknowledging one's limitations and accepting help from others.

The song also touches on the theme of letting go of past mistakes and the importance of self-forgiveness. The lyrics 'Say good-bye, and do not dissect your lies' and 'Say good-bye, there's no need to apologize' urge the listener to move forward without dwelling on past errors or feeling the need to justify themselves. By repeating the phrase 'Stop trying,' Sia emphasizes the importance of ceasing the relentless pursuit of perfection and instead embracing one's true self, flaws and all.